Cleveland Cavaliers: Best and worst-case scenario for Darius Garland

By Ryan Piers | Jun 28, 2019

BROOKLYN, NY - JUNE 20: Darius Garland drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers is interviewed during the 2019 NBA Draft on June 20, 2019 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Mark Westcott/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Michael J. LeBrecht II/NBAE via Getty Images) /

No. 5 overall pick Darius Garland possesses a high ceiling, but a low floor. Here are the best and worst-case scenarios for the Cleveland Cavaliers rookie.

Cleveland Cavaliers rookie Darius Garland may be the most intriguing enigma in the 2019 NBA Draft class. He hardly saw the floor at a basketball program that draws little national attention in Vanderbilt University. He averaged 16.2 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game in just five appearances. Only the more devout college hoops fans knew his name.

Yet, the Cavs nabbed him with a high lottery selection and pundits praised the pick. It didn’t matter that Garland only played five collegiate games. It didn’t matter that he was injured, and it didn’t matter that he didn’t play for Duke or Michigan State. Garland’s reputation as an elite prep player with a contemporary playing style earned him the league’s respect.

Now the anticipation builds for a player who has been viewed by most fans on YouTube as opposed on national TV. Cavs fans have likely clicked through the scouting reports, read the articles and watched a highlight video or six.

To watch him battle for 48 minutes, however, will be a different experience altogether. What should fans expect? His ceiling is certainly high, but the injury-prone guard could also be a major flop. Here’s a look at his best- and worst-case scenarios.

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