Positives for Cleveland Cavaliers in season opener; 3 takeaways

2. Kevin Love needs to be assertive

Long ago are the days in which Kevin Love averaged 26.0 points as the main option with the Minnesota Timberwolves. It seems that we may never see a ball-dominant Love ever again.

Now, Love is a passive shell of his former self. Perhaps it is due to years of being the third and second fiddle to LeBron James and Kyrie Irving. Regardless, Love needs to grow more assertive if the Cleveland Cavaliers wish to be competitive.

In this game, Love attempted a grand total of 10 shots. To put this into perspective, Larry Nance Jr. and Jordan Clarkson jacked up more shots in nearly 10 minutes less playing time.

There is no way to sugar coat it, Love has to take over. He is the most talented post scorer on the roster with the potential to be a flamethrower from deep. Running the offense through Love is the Cavaliers’ best option.

Though John Beilein must make it a point to feed Love, it is also up to the five-time All-Star to get his own shots. Too many times Love passed out of one-on-one defense when he could have easily abused his defender for a shot.

Love has the ability to score 20-plus points on a nightly basis. Not taking advantage of his talents would be an utter waste of an All-Star.