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 David Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Best-case scenario

Garland is a score-first guard with impressive range. He hit nearly half his 3-pointers in a limited college career after averaging 27.6 points per game his senior year in high school, leading Brentwood Academy to its fourth straight state championship in Tennessee. He won Tennessee Mr. Basketball on three occasions and dished out 11 assists at the 2018 McDonald’s All-American Game.

He’s been as good as anyone when healthy. In a perfect world, his game develops to mirror that of Kyrie Irving or Damian Lillard. On a nightly basis, he peppers defenders with 3-pointers and acrobatic layups. Garland tuns out to be one of the best scorers in the league, perfectly blending with Collin Sexton in the Cavaliers’ backcourt for the next decade.

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With the bullish Sexton pestering opponents with his maniacal presence, Garland is free to be flashy. He has the green light to shoot from any range and awes fans with his talent. He progresses each year, eventually cementing himself as the Eastern Conference’s starter at point guard in the All-Star Game. With Sexton defending opponents’ best guards, Garland travels less distance on defense and stays healthy.

With the two highly-picked point guards reaching their full potential, the Cavs regularly play deep into the playoffs and nab at least one NBA title. Garland loves Cleveland, signing a max contract following his rookie deal. All is good.

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