Although Kevin Love had a smaller role his first season with the Cleveland Cavaliers, compared to his years with the Minnesota Timberwolves, he remained among the most reliable power forwards in the game.
Just how reduced was Love’s role? He averaged about 23 fewer touches per game, ninth among big men and 63rd overall, a season after he led big men in touches per game and eighth overall.
Being involved less in the offense took its toll on Love’s base-level stats.
He averaged 26.1 points in 2013-14, his final season with the Timberwolves. He scored 16.4 points a game with the Cavaliers.
His rebounds per game went down (from 12.5 a game to 9.7), as did his Player Efficiency Rating (26.9 to 18.8).　
Still, Love was a component of a highly effective Cavaliers combination.
When they had Love, LeBron James and Kyrie Irving on the court last season, they outscored opponents by 12.6 points per 100 possessions. When any of the three was off the court, the Cavaliers were outscored by 1.5 points per 100 possessions.
