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Cleveland Cavaliers: 2019 NBA Draft grades

By Tony Pesta

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 20: Darius Garland poses with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver after being drafted with the fifth overall pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers during the 2019 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center on June 20, 2019 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 20: Darius Garland poses with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver after being drafted with the fifth overall pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers during the 2019 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center on June 20, 2019 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Stephen Pellegrino/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Stephen Pellegrino/NBAE via Getty Images) /

No. 5 pick: Darius Garland (Vanderbilt)

With the fifth overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, the Cleveland Cavaliers selected the sharpshooting point guard out of Vanderbilt, Darius Garland. Despite appearing in only five games his freshman season, Garland did enough to be respected as one of the best prospects in this draft, raising his value to top-four territory, according to some analysts.

In terms of drafting the best player available, the Cavaliers likely hit this one out of the park. Since Zion Williamson, Ja Morant, R.J. Barrett and De’Andre Hunter had already been drafted, going with Garland was an easy choice talent-wise.

In the five games Garland appeared in, he averaged 16.2 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game. His shooting numbers really jump out, averaging 2.2 shots from deep per game on 47.8 percent shooting from the 3-point line and 53.7 percent shooting overall.

However, this draft pick comes with some concern. Garland is set to be the backcourt partner of Collin Sexton. While Sexton has shown solid offensive potential, it is the defensive end where these two will have trouble.

Sexton and Garland both stand at 6’2″, which is five inches shorter than the league average of 6’7″. This lack of height is sure to cause problems for Cleveland’s defense, which was already one of the worst in the league. Combine this with the fact that neither Garland or Sexton have shown to be good playmakers and this pick becomes questionable at best.

Still, it’s impossible to deny the scoring potential this backcourt has. The worst-case scenario would see Cleveland needing to trade one of these two guards, which would reel in a solid package in return. While some would’ve rather seen the Cavs take Jarrett Culver with this pick, there should be nothing but high hopes for Garland.

Grade: B-

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