Kevin Love Set to Debut for Miami Heat on Friday

A five-time All-Star and one-time NBA champion is set to debut for his new team on Friday night. Speaking with reporters on Thursday, Kevin Love revealed he will be available to make his first appearance for the Miami Heat against the Milwaukee Bucks tomorrow night.

Kevin Love says he’s ready to go tomorrow.
— Tim Reynolds (@ByTimReynolds) February 23, 2023

The Heat acquired Love after he was bought out by the Cleveland Cavaliers following the NBA trade deadline. His role had shrunk in recent years with the Cavs, finally reaching a nadir with a mere 20 minutes per game over 41 appearances this season.

Love is long removed from the glory years that made him a champion and regular All-Star. From 2011 to 2020, he averaged 19.7 points and 11.5 rebounds per game. He's down to 8.5 points and 6.8 rebounds per game with a middling .389 field-goal percentage this season. The Heat are banking on the possibility that a reduced role with the Cavs of late has preserved some of his juice. It's possible a new situation and opportunity could reawaken some of his earlier effectiveness.

Love will likely slot in as a rotational player behind starting center Bam Adebayo. His veteran presence and smarts could be an asset to the Heat over the closing stretch of the season and the playoffs. The Heat are currently 32-27 and 7th in the Eastern Conference.