Analyzing success of Cleveland Cavaliers starting 5

F: Kevin Love

A steady veteran leader, Kevin Love has been the rock the Cleveland Cavaliers need.

As a five-time All-Star, Love has delivered time and time again for the Cavaliers. His threat as a scorer in the low post, as well as his talent as an elite rebounder, has made him a viable option for the team to rely on during hard times.

Love is scoring 18.5 points per game, slightly higher than his four-year average of 17.1 when playing alongside LeBron James. Though many had assumed Love’s scoring would skyrocket as the main option once again, it is his willingness to let his teammates thrive that has benefited the Cavaliers the most.

Love currently leads the team in passes with 45.0 a game. He is constantly looking to get his teammates going and is averaging close to a career-high 3.4 assists because of it.

Don’t get it wrong, Love is still looking to score when the opportunity presents itself. He is relentlessly fighting for position in the low post, converting on 51.7 percent of his post-up attempts.

Still, his most valuable asset is his rebounding. Love opened up the season with a double-double in each of the first five games, tying a franchise record. He is averaging 12.9 rebounds per game and has racked up 15 or more in four games already.

Whether or not Love will be a long-term member of the rebuild is up for debate. However, there is no doubt that he is doing more to help the process than hinder it.