Mr. MacPhisto
Lapsed Point Guard
- Joined
- Jun 29, 2008
- Messages
- 2,038
- Reaction score
- 2,050
- Points
- 113
As shown, Love has been fairly healthy. Yes, he misses games. But missing 20 games is not a negative, it's a positive. This is a long season. If a guy can miss 20 games and be healthy for the postseason, that's a win in the NBA.Love has dealt with injuries going all the way back to his Minnesota days. It’s pretty much an annual thing with him. He’s soon to be 31, he’s not a strong defender, and he’s signed for 4 more years, which isn’t ideal if, as you say, he has 2-3 good years left.
I’m not trying to trash Kevin Love. He’s a real solid player, when healthy, and is more of a complimentary piece, at this stage of his career. The only teams that would be interested in him are contending teams in need a stretch-4. Off the top of my head, I can think of Portland, Denver, & Houston. Maybe Indiana. The two LA teams, Utah, & Boston could have interest, but they lack the pieces to make a deal work. Beyond that, I struggle to find a good fit.
I suspect that, as with JR Smith, what the Cavaliers think the asset is worth and the type of offers they are receiving is not in the same ballpark. That could improve if Love stays healthy and has a productive first half of the season.
Yes, he's 31. He had an under 60 in Minnesota and then one where he missed most games there. Since his last year in Minnesota, he has been available for a lot of games outside of last year - and general thought is he would've played a lot more last year on a playoff caliber team.
Some of his injuries have also been a bit freaky. There are not durability concerns and no really concerns about him having to prove himself. Him playing and being effective will only help his value. But he has value now.
I won't disagree that he will have the most value in February if he is healthy and pulling good numbers like 20/12 on a consistent basis. But teams are interested now without that proof.