Training camp is just a few short weeks away, and the Nuggets still have an open roster spot. One of the benefits of keeping that spot open is the ability to sign a proven, veteran player who may get waived or bought out by another team that isn’t trying to contend. That exact scenario may be playing out much earlier than expected, as Bennett Durando of the Denver Post is reporting that the Jazz are “widely expected” to buy out the recently acquired Kevin Love.
Love was part of the trade that brought Norman Powell from the Clippers to the Heat this summer. His contract was dumped to Utah as part of the deal, but it never made sense for Love to stay with the young, rebuilding Jazz.
Marc Stein quickly reported that Love was seeking a way out of Utah, and now it seems that he is going to get his wish. At 37 years old, the five-time All-Star and 2016 NBA champion’s best years are long behind him, but there’s no doubt he can still add shooting, rebounding, and veteran leadership and experience to a contending team.
Nuggets could add Love as change of pace for loaded frontcourt
The Nuggets have as crowded a frontcourt as they’ve had in a long time, but Love would offer a very different skillset. He’s a true floor-spacing, pick-and-pop big man who defenses will be forced to respect.
Nikola Jokic obviously had a great three-point shooting season last year, but he’s not a true sniper and shoots more as a last resort. Jonas Valanciunas has shown some flashes, but he’s only letting it fly if he’s wide open, and defenders aren’t rushing to close out.
DaRon Holmes has some stretch skills, but he’s far from a knockdown shooter and may take time to earn the respect of defenses. He’s also coming off an achilles injury, and at this point, his ability to help the team is completely speculative.
Love, on the other hand, is a true mercenary from the outside. He’s a career 37% shooter on five attempts per game from long range. If he gets space, he won’t hesitate to let it fly and has a smooth, quick release. He’d be a true weapon from the outside, the type that Denver hasn’t had in a big man since…maybe forever.
It’s undeniable that Love is more name than game at this point, and the Nuggets may come to the conclusion that he can’t help the team. But it’s certainly an intriguing option, and one that the Nuggets have the opportunity to pursue, thanks to their brilliant offseason.