In advance of the start of training camp on Oct. 3, AllUCanHeat is analyzing the Miami Heat player-by-player. This installment focuses on Kevin Love, who returns after he helped jumpstart Miami’s 2023 Finals run.
The aging of a superstar can be fascinating. The twilight of one’s career can bring on denial, reluctance, or acceptance. Kevin Love has handled his transition from star to role player as gracefully as any in recent memory.
Last season, the Heat were 23-18 (regular season and playoffs) after signing Love, who had been bought out by the Cleveland Cavaliers in February. Love had spent the previous eight-and-a-half seasons in Cleveland, where he transformed from a low-post scoring power forward into a floor-spacing big man, made two All-Stars teams and helped deliver a championship in 2016. By the time Love arrived in Miami, however, he had been out of the Cavs rotation. The Heat immediately inserted Love into the starting lineup, earned the No. 8 seed, then went on an unprecedented run to the NBA Finals.
With Love providing much-needed size, rebounding and shooting, the Heat’s rotation clicked into place. Caleb Martin shifted back into a perimeter role off the bench and Love was able to handle bigger defensive assignments to free up Bam Adebayo. His numbers were modest — 7.7 points on 39% shooting, 5.7 rebounds and 1.9 assists — but he played his role. In Game 2 of the NBA Finals, he scored six points and grabbed 10 rebounds to help the Heat get their lone win of the series against the Denver Nuggets.
Here are 3 Team USA players Erik Spoelstra can eventually recruit to Miami
It’s common knowledge that bonds created in Team USA sometimes translate to joining forces in the NBA. Can Erik Spoelstra recruit a star to the Miami Heat?
Now, the 35-year-old will try to hold onto that role.
When the Heat didn’t start Love at power forward, they went smaller with Martin. What those lineups gave up in size, they often made up for in speed and versatility. Martin should again be in play for major minutes at power forward, while Haywood Highsmith and Nikola Jovic could also push for playing time with strong preseasons. Love’s limitations on defense can render him unplayable in certain matchups.
But Love is the incumbent, and likely has the edge when training camp begins. His size and rebounding are unmatched by any of Miami’s other power forward options and, if he can lift his 3-point shooting back to his career average (from 29.7% with the Heat last season to 37%), then he’ll only further cement his status in the rotation.
Though Love has aged into a new stage of his career, he’s eagerly accepted whatever role has been assigned to him in Miami. Whether he starts, comes off the bench or must try to make an impact from the sidelines, the Heat know he’ll play his role.
Kevin Love
Position: Forward/Center
Ht./Wt.: 6-8/251
College: UCLA
Years pro: 15
2022-23: 8.2 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.9 assists in 20 minutes per game (with Cleveland and Miami)
Contract status: In first year of two-year, $7.8 million deal ($3.8 million this season)