Yesterday, it was announced that Cavaliers forward Kevin Love was ruled out for Cleveland's second round series. Now it appears that Love will be out much longer than the second round.
In speaking with the media today, Cavs GM David Griffin said that it is 'high unlikely' that Love will return at any point during the postseason. Griffin also noted that the damage to Love's shoulder is extensive and that surgery is an option for Love.
#Cavs GM David Griffin says Kevin Love likely done for season, shoulder extensively damaged.
— Tom Withers (@twithersAP) April 28, 2015
David Griffin says its "highly unlikely" that Kevin Love returns at any point during the playoffs.
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) April 28, 2015
Griffin also noted that he felt Kelly Olynyk's play on Love was "unnatural" and that Anderson Varejao will not return at any point in the playoffs from his Achilles tear to give the Cavs an extra body on the bench. He also said that he told J.R. Smith he didn't have to apologize to anyone for striking Jae Crowder's face in Game 4.
On top of Girffin's comments, Howard Beck of Bleacher Report is reporting that Love's labrum tore away from the bone and it will need a minimum of 4-6 weeks to heal. If his shoulder did not heal on that timeline, surgery would then become a possibility.
Source: Kevin Love's labrum tore away from the bone, and will need 4-6 weeks, minimum, to heal. If it doesn't, surgery a possibility.
— Howard Beck (@HowardBeck) April 28, 2015
To be clear, source adds: There's virtually zero chance Love plays again this postseason, even if Cavs make the Finals.
— Howard Beck (@HowardBeck) April 28, 2015