Central Notes: Love, Beverley, Pacers, Giannis

Donovan Mitchell admits to being “shocked” by Kevin Love‘s buyout with the Cavaliers, which occurred while players were scattered for the All-Star break, writes Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com. Mitchell was involved with numerous events during All-Star Weekend, and he hasn’t been able to talk to Love about his decision to leave Cleveland and sign with the Heat.

“I don’t think any of us take it personally,” Mitchell said. “I think his role in the past 10 or 11 games wasn’t what he wanted and as players we understand that. If that was his decision, then that’s fine. … I think that’s ultimately the best decision for him as a player and you want to respect that. I have no doubt in my mind that he is going to thrive in Miami. Ultimate professional. Wish him nothing but the best. We will see him in a few weeks. He’s a hell of a player, hell of a person and I’m appreciative of my time with him.”

Cavs coach J.B. Bickerstaff also sensed that Love was unhappy after being replaced in the rotation when Dean Wade returned from an injury in late January. Bickerstaff asked Love to be a mentor for the team, but he could tell Love wasn’t satisfied with that role.

“Not a disruptive unhappy or combative unhappy,” Bickerstaff said. “Kevin wants to play. I understand that. He wants to be on the floor. He can help teams or help a team. He believes that. I think it’s that frustration of not being able to participate with your teammates that you could feel and you could sense.” 

There’s more from the Central Division:

• Billy Donovan hasn’t decided if Patrick Beverley will start or not, but the veteran guard will definitely see playing time, per K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago. The Bulls held a press conference Wednesday to welcome their latest free agent addition, who committed to Chicago after reaching a buyout agreement with Orlando. “He’s been an elite defender and an elite competitor,” Donovan said. “I think if you look at his career, he’s continued to improve his shooting. He’s shot the ball better and better throughout his career. He’s taken on all sorts of very difficult defensive assignments. I think he understands and knows the personnel in this league very well.”
• Whether or not the Pacers make the playoffs, the rest of this season will help determine who will be part of the team’s future, according to Dustin Dopirak of The Indianapolis Star. Indiana will build around Tyrese Haliburton and Bennedict Mathurin, and Myles Turner‘s extension figures to keep him in place for at least two more years, but there are logjams at other positions that need to be worked out.
• Giannis Antetokounmpo was a limited participant in Wednesday’s practice and his status for the Bucks‘ games on Friday and Sunday hasn’t been determined, tweets Eric Nehm of The Journal-Sentinel. Jae Crowder is expected to make his debut with the team on Friday night, Nehm adds (Twitter link).