When Kevin Love was traded to the Cavaliers in 2014, everything changed for him.
In the years prior, he was “the man” in Minnesota, serving as their primary offensive option for at least four years.
In Cleveland, with the Cavaliers, he had to take a step back to Kyrie Irving and LeBron James. And while Love was able to win a Championship in the process, his career was never the same again.
Today, the 33-year-old veteran is still in Cleveland, and still having to give up the spotlight. This time, it’s young guys who are being favored, ad the rebuilding Cavs have prioritized player development over everything (and anyone) else.
Still, even in an environment where he is unable to win, he is being appreciated. Here’s what his teammate, Darius Garland, had to say about Love (an NBA Champion and former All-Star) in a recent chat with Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.
“He’s a treat to be around, literally… I call him my big vet. That’s the big dog right there. He’s won a championship [for the Cavs], been an Olympian, and had All-Star appearances. He’s done it all. We all try to pick Kevin’s brain for what he’s seen… Me and Love go out to eat and talk a lot.
In my rookie year, he always told me to stay aggressive. He tells me this every time before we go out to a shootaround or anything. He tells me to go play my game.”
The Cavaliers might be on the verge of a breakthrough. After showing some signs of life last season, a full summer of training, learning, and chemistry-building might go a long way in helping guys like Garland and Collin Sexton start to turn things around for Cleveland.
As for Love, his future remains uncertain. The status of his availability in trade talks is still unknown. For now, though, he will continue to make. different any way he can, and that’s by speaking and leading the younger generation of stars.
