Kevin Love Injury Update: Star to Return to Full Practice Saturday

Cleveland Cavaliers power forward Kevin Love is expected to take part in his first full practice Saturday after recovering from a shoulder injury suffered during last season's playoffs.

Chris Haynes of the Northeast Ohio Media Group provided the latest update on the star's situation from Cavs head coach David Blatt. Love has made steady progress since undergoing shoulder surgery in late April, which originally came with a four- to six-month timetable for recovery.

"He's coming along real nice," said Blatt.

Haynes notes Love could make his preseason debut as early as Monday against the Memphis Grizzlies, depending on how he responds to the increased workload at practice. The team is confident he'll be fully prepared by the time the regular season begins on Oct. 27.

Injuries to Love and Kyrie Irving, who's still working his way back from a fractured kneecap, significantly weakened the Cavs' roster during their playoff run. They still reached the NBA Finals from the lackluster Eastern Conference, but they didn't have enough firepower to overcome the Golden State Warriors.

Love, then a free agent, announced his decision to return to Cleveland on July 1. There was some uncertainty surrounding his future after he failed to find much of a rhythm playing alongside LeBron James and Irving last season. His scoring dropped nearly 10 points per game in a far less featured role.

Now that he's signed and almost back to full strength, his focus will be on finding ways to make an impact even if he's operating as the third option offensively. His shooting percentages as well as his rebounding and assist averages also dropped last season.

The Cavs are once again in a prime position to make a lot of noise in the East. They must get everybody healthy, and get Tristan Thompson's contract settled, in order to put themselves in a position to bring a championship to Cleveland, though.