Kevin Love is nearing a return to the Cleveland Cavaliers. The five-time All-Star is practicing non-contact sets with the team and is looking smooth and healthy.
Better yet, Love will take a huge step in his recovery this week when he partakes in his first full-contact practice since having toe surgery on his left foot earlier this season.
“The Cavs are expected to have Wednesday off following their matchup against the Washington Wizards,” reports Chris Fedor of cleveland.com. “Then they will hold a full-contact practice Thursday, two days before hosting the Dallas Mavericks. Thursday will be the first time Love takes contact since his surgery. How he handles that will go a long way in determining his official return date.”
While Love could possibly play on Saturday, Feb. 2, it seems likely that he’ll get a few more practices under his belt before he plays in a game. The Cavs currently hold the league’s worst record at 10-41, so there’s no need to rush Love’s return.
“Right now it’s a step in the right direction,” coach Larry Drew said on Monday. “But he won’t play tomorrow and chances are he won’t play this week.”
Love, who signed a four-year, $120 million contract extension over the summer, has only played in four games this year. In those four contests the power forward averaged 19.0 points, 13.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game.
