Before last season, Kevin Love said he hoped to play in the 2016 Olympics.
Now, the Cavaliers forward is being even more direct.
Love, via Chris Haynes of Cleveland.com:
Love helped Team USA win gold in 2012, and he’s clearly still devoted to the program. That loyalty will help his case, especially after withdrawing from 2014 World Cup consideration (though Jerry Colangelo seemed fine with that).
But Love’s stock has dropped considerably in Cleveland, where he, LeBron James and Kyrie Irving haven’t found an optimal way to complement each other. Love just hasn’t looked like the star he was in Minnesota.
That said, the international game favors his skill set – passing and outside shooting. Love’s ability on the glass could help Team USA play small, which would fit the rest of the roster. The big question: Can Love defend centers in Rio?
Love is far from a lock, but for someone who missed the last two All-Star games, he’s in pretty good shape to be chosen.
