Kevin Love is a name that most NBA pundits feel will be moving out soon. However, it appears the change of head coach may have just influenced the trade scenario moving forward. Previously frustrated and unhappy, it appears the 31-year-old is singing a different tune. In fact, the atmosphere seems to have changed in what Love terms as "through the roof."
In a report by WKYC, Love shared how the brotherhood from within is going strong. Also, he weighed on his role as a mentor and even shared how things are now over in Cleveland. With an upbeat atmosphere, it could hint at better things ahead for the Cavaliers. And the man who is likely getting that done is JB Bickerstaff.
Bickerstaff took over from John Beilein with the former Michigan Wolverines head coach struggling to adjust to the NBA brand of basketball. He lasted only 54 games and was reportedly pretty unhappy. Also, he seemed to have lost the vote of confidence of the players. Most were unhappy and lost motivation. From that point on, it was apparent Beilein would either be out now or by the offseason at the latest, ESPN reported.
Under Bickerstaff, the Cavaliers are 3-1. Also, Love is not the only one showing renewed life. Tristan Thompson praised the 40-year-old coach who also served as an interim head coach to the Houston Rockets during the 2015-16 NBA season. The Canadian was so impressed with Bickerstaff that he even ranked him alongside Doc Rivers, Tyronn Lue, and Steve Kerr, Cleveland.com reported.
Ironically, Thompson is another guy that most were expecting to bolt the Cavaliers by the summer. But with his praises, it appears he will stay on. New acquisition Andre Drummond has yet to share his take on the new head coach, but there is a chance he could stay on as well.
Of the three, Love is the one that will be hard to move. He carries a hefty $120 million contract, which made it hard for the Cavs to trade him. Originally believes to be the guy taking over from LeBron James, the 2011 NBA Most Improved Player of the Year may just stick around and do the role that Cleveland wanted him to assume.
It would be too early to tell since most know how Love had that forgettable exchange with Cavaliers' general manager Koby Altman. But if the Cavs respond well under Bickerstaff, Love, Thompson, or even Drummond could decide to stay on and be part of something big.
