CLEVELAND — The Cavaliers canceled a plan to give away 20,000 arm slings to fans to show support for injured starting forward Kevin Love, who is out for the remainder of the NBA playoffs.
Love underwent surgery last week after his left shoulder was dislocated when his arm was yanked from the socket by Boston Celtics center Kelly Olynyk in Cleveland’s series-clinching win in the opening round. The Cavs intended to hand out the slings, adorned with a sponsor’s name, during their Eastern Conference semifinal series against the Chicago Bulls but scrapped the idea.
A team spokesman would not comment on the giveaway. It’s not known what the team plans to do with the unused slings.
The Cavs handed out small white towels for Tuesday night’s Game 2 against the Bulls. The team typically gives out T-shirts during the postseason.
Love has not spoken with reporters since his surgery, and he’s expected to need up to six months to recover. Following his surgery, he posted a photo on Instagram of him in his hospital bed wearing a Cleveland Indians cap and a black sling.
Olynyk will serve a one-game suspension for his actions against Love.
Thumbnail image via Bob DeChiara/USA TODAY Sports Images
