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Irving, Cavs asking little-used vets to step up in Love's absence

Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

A day after Kevin Love underwent season-ending surgery on his left shoulder, his fellow Cleveland Cavaliers were trying to put on a happy face about moving forward without him in the playoffs.

"When one of your brothers goes down, there's a piece of us that goes with him," another cog in the Cavs' big three, Kyrie Irving, told reporters Thursday. "Next guys have to step up."

Those "guys" for Cleveland now consist of some seldom-used veterans like James Jones, Mike Miller and Shawn Marion. With Love out, it is expected Tristan Thompson will start at power forward, with LeBron James moving up to the four when they go small. 

The value in those experienced vets can be appreciated. "It's awesome," Irving said, to laughter. "(Cavs general manager) David Griffin is a genius."

"It was a gift and a curse when I went home after Game 4 (of the Celtics series)," Irving added. "You know, it was the first playoff series that I won, especially on a sweep, but because you find out J.R. and Kevin went down, it puts things in perspective and we still have to be locked in."

Starting shooting guard J.R. Smith will also be serving a two-game suspension as the Cavaliers begin round two. They will open that on Monday at home against the Chicago Bulls

Head coach David Blatt will be counting on Iman Shumpert more on offense for the first two games, something the perimeter defense specialist was forced into in Game 4 against Boston, when he scored 15 points.

"He'll be ready to give us what he needs to," Blatt said. "We've got other guys who are pretty good shooters too, guys who can space the floor. We've got a lot of great professionals who understand this time of year."

What players like Jones, Miller and Marion - at an average age of 35 - can give the Cavs right now is yet to be seen, but there is legitimate concern about their depth against a team like Chicago. James having to bang for major minutes at power forward opposite Pau Gasol, Taj Gibson and Joakim Noah is not optimal. 

James shot 50.6 percent with Love on the floor this season, and 45.4 percent with him off.

Blatt said he exchanged messages with Love earlier Thursday, and that the power forward told him he was anxious to begin his recovery. On the topic of Love's opt-out clause with his contract and a possible return to Cleveland, Blatt is hopeful.

"I sure hope so," he said. "I'm full of hope and nothing I'd like better to see him back next year."

The Cavaliers had a rare evening practice and will have a team dinner Thursday.

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