Kevin Love - Miami Ground Machine

[KevinLoveFan]

Kevin is a future Hall of Famer
I am very glad to go out in a year or two playing the way he is now. Ant what happened the last year or two

I don't think he makes it, tbh. His lifetime stats are comparable to Jack Sikma's, but Love's had many more injuries, and it took years before they put Sikma in. So I don't see Love making it.

 

[The Human Q-Tip]

Championships and being a contributor to a deep playoff run? The one thing the Cavs can't give him right now. Time is running out on his career/body to wait for the Cavs to become championship contenders.

Not exactly sure what teams can give him that -- the league is kind of all over the place in terms who is really at the top. I suppose GSW qualifies, and that's one place he'd probably like to go. But at the end of next season, when he's actually an FA? I see absolutely no reason to assume that Cavs themselves won't be ready for a deep playoff run.

 

[DirtyDan]

Not exactly sure what teams can give him that -- the league is kind of all over the place in terms who is really at the top. I suppose GSW qualifies, and that's one place he'd probably like to go. But at the end of next season, when he's actually an FA? I see absolutely no reason to assume that Cavs themselves won't be ready for a deep playoff run.

I just mean if he still wants a buyout in the offseason or trade next season. It would be easier to accomplish with only one year left on his deal.

There's way more risk involved in hitching your wagon to a young team becoming a title contender, until they actually get to the pinnacle like Phoenix did. He could leave to play with KD or Giannis or Steph, which would be as close to a guarantee at a deep run and championship, than you're gonna get on the Cavs or most other teams.

In 2 years, who knows? I would understand if still wanted out for a ring and change of scenery, but hopefully he sticks around long enough to be in a playoff game again as a Cavalier.

 

[Cavatt]

HIs body is rested. I don't think he ever had very good stamina. The first quarter was almost always his best. The grind of the season often wore on him especially battling starters. I like seeing him play hard in reduced minutes. He looks great.

 

[2 For The Brew]

I don't think he makes it, tbh. His lifetime stats are comparable to Jack Sikma's, but Love's had many more injuries, and it took years before they put Sikma in. So I don't see Love making it.

Based on the basketball-reference.com his HoF probability is 73.5%. He’s borderline IMHO BUT his contribution to the game by courageously speaking out on mental health is a plus and I hope he gets the honor.

 

[Cassity14]

Kevin's unique profile as a great rebounder an outside shooter will get him in when combined with his championship ring, olympic success, and individual accomplishments. I'd bet a large sum of money on him being a hall of famer.

ETA: He was also great in his one season at UCLA where he helped lead them to a Final Four.

 

[avs2000]

HIs body is rested. I don't think he ever had very good stamina. The first quarter was almost always his best. The grind of the season often wore on him especially battling starters. I like seeing him play hard in reduced minutes. He looks great.

Reduce minutes. Games off here and there. No back to backs

 

[Jontibs]

Just on the HOF question;

Too many games lost to injuries, must have missed 300 games due to injuries in his career, give him even half of them back and he has close to 3000 extra points and 1500+ rebounds(with a shot to end up in the top 25 of all time in that category), maybe a couple more all star games to get him separation from the competition. Strong performance in an non Lebron playoff team would help a little, but he needs a strong finish to his career to make a case. 6 MOTY would be a nice addition but his production would have to rise to be in that argument.

 

[SVC]

I think Love will get in because of his involvement in one of the best NBA Finals of all time and he’s been in the public consciousness more than a Sikma was.

I’m unfortunately old enough to recall Sikma, and it’s a good comparison as far as profile and numbers when I look, but he kind of plied his trade in obscurity out in the PST back when the NBA Finals were tape-delayed. I’d see him a few times a year, usually in the all star game. I assume beat writers from the East Coast were the main guys creating stars back then.

Also, iirc, one of the few NBA guys to come from a D 3 school, so didn’t come into league with much name recognition.

 

[All4One1ForAll]

Guys, Love has a 99.7 DRTG, the best on the team if you exclude Tacko and Nembhard who have played less than 20 minutes.

Our DREB% is 78.3% with him on the floor and drops to 71.8% with him off the floor.

Per 36, he’s averaging 20.1 points, 13.6 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and shooting on 57% TS which is 1.7% higher than league average.

His 4.9 Box Plus-Minus is the highest it’s been since 2014 and 3rd highest of his career. And his +4.6 RAPTOR is 92nd percentile in the league among guys who have played 250+ minutes this year.

 

[bigdog123]

Never thought I'd actually like this guy again.

 

[cavsfever]

So many feel good stories on the team so far this year. Except for Sexton’s injury it’s like there are things to feel great about everywhere you look

 

[prf100]

Did not see him being anywhere near a net positive this season. Been great off the bench, playing so well in his role.

 

[bigfoot5415]

Just on the HOF question;

Too many games lost to injuries, must have missed 300 games due to injuries in his career, give him even half of them back and he has close to 3000 extra points and 1500+ rebounds(with a shot to end up in the top 25 of all time in that category), maybe a couple more all star games to get him separation from the competition. Strong performance in an non Lebron playoff team would help a little, but he needs a strong finish to his career to make a case. 6 MOTY would be a nice addition but his production would have to rise to be in that argument.

I don't think he makes it, tbh. His lifetime stats are comparable to Jack Sikma's, but Love's had many more injuries, and it took years before they put Sikma in. So I don't see Love making it.

Hes a lock. The basketball hall of fame looks at the entire contribution to basketball. Prep player of the year, 2x all American, a final four run I think, Olympic & FIBA gold. He's also done a lot for mental awareness off the court.

Hes a lock. Not 1st ballot but a lock.

 

[chuck0609]

Not sure why there is talking of a buyout this year. His value is veteran leadership, familiarity with the organization, shooting and rebounding with the second unit. Yes he’s overpaid, but why move an important part this year when the playoff are very achievable for this team, and maybe a second round birth with how they are playing.
Ride this out. Don’t start buying out a guy that’s healthy and contributing in more ways than one.