Previewing the Cavs’ core, player by player

Kevin Love

Meet the Cleveland Cavaliers’ biggest X-factor. The franchise can go many different directions with Kevin Love this season.

Let’s start with what Love brings to the team. A five-time All-Star with elite rebounding ability and a proficient scoring clip from deep. He is still a strong scorer in the post and can offer consistent offensive production for one of the weakest scoring teams in the league last season.

Love only appeared in 22 games during the 2018-19 NBA season. In those matches, Love averaged 17.0 points and 10.9 rebounds per game. He appeared to grow increasingly comfortable as he adjusted to once again being the No. 1 scoring option.

Love can do more than produce on the court. His leadership as the oldest player on the roster is invaluable. There have been multiple moments throughout the preseason in which Love pulled a rookie to the side to give them advice.

There is no doubt that K-Love will be able to help this team if he is healthy. However, his greatest potential may come in the form of a trade.

The Cavaliers have a low ceiling this year. At their absolute best, they can compete for a last-second playoff spot. For an aging star such as Love, it may be best for both teams if a trade to a contender is orchestrated.

This scenario would find Love being in a situation where his talents are more important. As for the Cavaliers, they can use Love’s value as a way to add more assets to their current rebuilding process.

The trade deadline will be a key date for Cavs fans to watch for as it’s possible Love will be shipped around this time. Parting ways with the last remaining member of the big three will be tough but it will mark the next step in the rebuild.

If Love does survive the deadline, we will watch as he continues to provide a helping hand in the Cavaliers development. He has a lot to offer as a mentor and his star power will certainly keep fans interested in the team.