Cleveland Cavaliers: 3 biggest disappointments from 2018-19 season

3. Kevin Love’s injury

Fresh off a hefty contract extension, this was supposed to be the year Kevin Love rediscovered the elite level of play he flashed as a member of the Minnesota Timberwolves. The season started so promising.

The Cavs big man was averaging 19.0 points per game and 13.5 rebounds per game, his most since his Timberwolves days.

In his second of four games, he scored 25 points and pulled down 19 rebounds. Once again the alpha, Love looked poised for a monster year. A foot injury and subsequent surgery now appears to be keeping him out until at least January. 

It’s not a huge deal for the tanking Cavaliers. The team locked Love up for nearly the next half-decade. And the tanking process much easier without the star forward.

Sometimes, teams that earn top picks after stars sit out nearly full seasons make quicker progress than the average rebuilding franchise (see the 1997-98 San Antonio Spurs, who went from top of the lottery to a title in two seasons).

But it was so much fun watching vintage Love gobble rebounds and drill jumpers against the Timberwolves in a dominating performance earlier this year.

Love is also an easy guy to cheer for. There was the time he posed with Cleveland construction workers while signing is extension. He is also major advocate for mental health.

Love was supposed to be the center piece for the Cavaliers next generation. Hopefully the front office keeps him on the squad, letting him guide the younger players through the rebuild when he returns.