Kevin Love Says He Wasn’t Ready For Part-Time Role With Cavs, But Perspective Has Shifted

CLEVELAND — Kevin Love returned to Cleveland on Wednesday for the first time since agreeing to a buyout with the Cavaliers in 2023.  As Love stepped onto the floor for the Miami Heat, Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald pointed out that the role he’s now filling with the Heat was one he was reluctant to accept just two years ago with the Cavs.

Once a key figure in Cleveland’s championship run, Love has now embraced a different position in Miami — one where he’s less frequently seen on the court and more often in a mentor role.

The 36-year-old, who is averaging just 5.3 points and 4.3 rebounds in 11 minutes per game this season, has become an elder statesman, offering his experience and wisdom to his younger teammates.

He admitted to Jackson that he wasn’t “ready yet” to accept a part-time role at age 34, but with the passing of time, his perspective has shifted.

“I’m certainly understanding of where I’m at,” Love said. “It’s one of the things I told coach (Erik Spoelstra). I get it. I want to keep pouring into this team and doing whatever I can. Stay ready, and if I do or do not get time, I’m going to keep being a mentor or sounding board for (teammates).”

Though Love has only played in five of Miami’s past 27 games, his presence remains significant.

In those rare appearances, such as Monday’s game against Washington, where he recorded nine rebounds in just 12 minutes, Love shows occasional glimpses of the talent that earned him five All-Star selections over his 17-year career. His contributions off the court, however, are now the hallmark of his role with the Heat.

In many ways, Love has inherited the veteran leadership responsibilities once held by Udonis Haslem, who retired after the 2022 season. Love maintains a balance of humor and serious discussions to keep the team focused, adding that these conversations sometimes veer off in unexpected directions.

“I let (Tyler Herro) come to me about stuff non-basketball related,” Love said. “I’m trying to create a really great ecosystem here where we can celebrate each other, celebrate small wins, and build guys up. I know how this thing goes. It’s monotonous. Guys can get into a situation (where they’re wondering), ‘Are we headed for the play-in again? Or what are we doing?’”

With one season left on his contract at $4.2 million, Love is poised to continue his leadership role with the Heat for at least another year.

Love also acknowledged that his return to Cleveland held sentimental value. He missed both matchups between the Heat and Cavaliers last season, one due to injury and another for personal reasons. Wednesday marked Miami’s only trip to Rocket Arena this season, although a potential playoff matchup could loom if the Heat secure the No. 8 seed.

“I have so much love for that organization and city and Ohio,” Love said. “When you go on a Finals run with special players, that will always be a part of you. I’ll probably go home and look at my ring and reflect a little bit.”