Cleveland Cavaliers: Each core players ceiling this season
By Tony Pesta
![CLEVELAND, OH - FEBRUARY 21: Cedi Osman #16 hi-fives Kevin Love #0 and Brandon Knight #20 of the Cleveland Cavaliers on February 21, 2019 at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 David Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty Images) CLEVELAND, OH - FEBRUARY 21: Cedi Osman #16 hi-fives Kevin Love #0 and Brandon Knight #20 of the Cleveland Cavaliers on February 21, 2019 at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 David Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/e021b78bf245b40fec9f52cabc61ed7e45e6223acbd339d8b895e4fb4ce5cbbc.jpg)
2. Darius Garland
Ceiling: Rookie of the Year
Dubbed as one of the most talented players in the 2019 NBA Draft, Darius Garland is set for a special rookie season. In just five games for Vanderbilt, Garland left an impact on scouts large enough to make him a top-five pick in the draft.
Displaying an array of offensive skills, Garland is at his best as a pull-up shooter. Connecting on 11-of-23 attempts from deep in his freshman season, Garland has a limitless range on his shot and a quick release that is difficult to defend.
Add a killer handle to his repertoire and it’s no wonder Garland averaged a slick 16.2 points per game on 53.7 percent shooting. Playing alongside Sexton, the rookie will have free reign to score at will as the Cavaliers look to build the NBA’s next great backcourt.
In addition to scoring, Garland was voted as the second-best playmaker in his draft class. If Garland lives up to this hype, he could rack up assists playing within a fast-paced offense next to Sexton, Osman and Love.
It might be tough for Darius to put everything together in one season. If Garland hits his stride early, it’s possible he could steal the Rookie of the Year Award.