Love's first game

[alexftbl8181 [enjin:6648741]]

haha one preseason game and people actually think he'll be behind dion freaking waiters. Oh wait Lebron scored 12 on 4-11 shooting, so put him behind waiters too.

[longstrangetrip [enjin:6600564]]

I watched a lot of the game...was curious to see how Love and the Cavs looked, and kind of hoping they wouldn't look so good. I know it was only Tel Aviv Maccabi, a team that has Jeremy Pargo as its star and runs a basic high school weave offense. But still, the Cavs looked really good. Irving looks like he's ready to be an all-star, and Waiters was impressive too. Thompson starts at center, because they prefer Varajeo coming off the bench, and they both completely dominated undersized Maccabi on the boards. I'm really curious to see how the Cavs play against a real NBA team.

As for Love, I have to agree with Sjm that he has never been in such terrific shape. And I have never seen him put in so much effort on defense...jeez, and for a meaningless pre-season game. But yesterday made me think that his problems on defense are not only a function of lack of interest...he also just isn't very good defensively. At times yesterday he reminded me of Shabazz...totally out of position, and then rushing so quickly at his man that he was easily beaten on a drive. At halftime, Love had the only negative +/- for the Cavs, even though they were up 15.

Offensively, though, was a different story. Yes, he didn't shoot well yesterday, but we know his shots will eventually fall. Last year he took a quantum leap forward with his passing, and he looked even better yesterday. He has extraordinary vision combined with an ability to deliver the ball in the right place at the right time. He had 4 assists, but should have had 7 or 8 if the Cavs had shot better. I actually think he will be comfortable going 18-12-5 this year. And I think the Cavs will be fun to watch.

The spiteful side of me still wants Love to rekindle his interest in knuckle push ups.

[The Rage Monster [enjin:8010341]]

It certainly could turn out to be an interesting season if Love isn't happy. I thought when the trade went down that Love would be behind Irving and that might cause some issues. Love has been putting up over 20 shots per game the last couple years, for comparison Bosh put up like 13 a game. If Love takes almost 10 shots per game fewer I don't think he'll remain happy the entire season even despite the fact the Cavs will be winning lots of games.

[TAFKASP]

It is one thing for a defensive liability to put forth effort in short spurts, it's another thing altogether for them to change their stripes for a full season. It'll be interesting to see if playing on a team with as much talent as the Cavs have will spur him play with such defensive all the time!

[zigzag22 [enjin:6591633]]

Point: Kevin Love didn't have a great 1st pre-season game, maybe he won't be happy this year.

Counterpoint: He gets to play 82 games in an up-tempo system with Kyrie and Lebron in the Eastern Conference, I think he is going to be juuuuussssttt fine.

[Brandon BassHole [enjin:8183321]]

I hope hes unhappy and opts out after this year and joins the knicks next season lol

[worldK]

Love will be fine with the cavs. He is not going to score less than waiters guys. He is a perennial all star and in discussion of being the best pf in the league. Waiters is good but not in love's league. It will be love or irving as the 2nd top scorer for cavs.

Its just 1 pre season game vs a non nba team. Love will settle down and get into a groove. He is too good not to. He may not get 20 shots a game but he has always been an efficient player with his ft's and 3s. He will fit right ni with bron and the cavs.

[bleedspeed]

I just don't like Love. I don't see Waiters passing up his. It will be interesting to see how the Cavs handle him.

[Camden [enjin:6601484]]

I just don't like Love. I don't see Waiters passing up his. It will be interesting to see how the Cavs handle him.

Find the bench, Dion. Sixth man it is. If he's chucking while playing with Love, or LeBron or Kyrie for that matter, then his role will be reduced to that of a J.R. Smith player. It's a Big Three and not a Big Four for a reason. Waiters isn't in the same atmosphere as those guys.

[bleedspeed]

I just don't like Love. I don't see Waiters passing up his. It will be interesting to see how the Cavs handle him.

Find the bench, Dion. Sixth man it is. If he's chucking while playing with Love, or LeBron or Kyrie for that matter, then his role will be reduced to that of a J.R. Smith player. It's a Big Three and not a Big Four for a reason. Waiters isn't in the same atmosphere as those guys.

I was thinking JR Smith. He will be getting his when they have a lead and are resting LeBron and Irving for sure. They really need him or that team looks pretty weak for a second group.