Cleveland Cavaliers: Best and worst-case scenario for Darius Garland
By Ryan Piers
Most likely scenario
We’ll know a little more after the NBA Summer League, but Garland didn’t do any major damage to ligaments when he tore his meniscus. So he should, and probably already has, made a full recovery. Ideally, this won’t be a recurring injury.
Likely healthy, Garland produces quickly for the Cavs. Young NBA guards tend to develop faster than post players. Seven of the past eight Rookie of the Year winners were guards or wings.
With Garland developing into a really good NBA guard, Sexton becomes an elite role player off bench or as a fill-in starter. The two combine to provide a constant punch in the backcourt, kind of like a James Harden/Eric Gordon-lite combo.
Darius Garland at the NBA Draft: "I think me and Collin [Sexton] will play really well together. You see Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum playing really well, playing in the playoffs. The future is really bright for us." #Cavs
— INSIDE HOOPS - NBA Basketball (@InsideHoops) June 21, 2019
Garland doesn’t reach Kyrie Irving status, but is a borderline All-Star every season. His career mirrors that of Kemba Walker and his teammates benefit from his improving passing skills. Osman grows into a solid second scoring option. Kevin Love morphs into a spot-up 3-point shooter, benefiting from the excellent floor vision of Garland. His career is prolonged.
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Cleveland never wins a title with Garland, but reaches the playoffs regularly. With Garland starting, Sexton becomes his generation’s Lou Williams. Head coach John Beilein gives it 5-6 good years and then retires. Love calls it quits. Garland is a coveted free agent. It’s a “meh” ending to an enjoyable era of Cavaliers basketball.