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Cleveland Cavaliers: 3 ways Darius Garland can become a star

By Tony Pesta

MIAMI, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 20: Darius Garland #10 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on against the Miami Heat during the second half at American Airlines Arena on November 20, 2019 in Miami, Florida. 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 Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 20: Darius Garland #10 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on against the Miami Heat during the second half at American Airlines Arena on November 20, 2019 in Miami, Florida. 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 Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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Cleveland Cavaliers
Cleveland Cavaliers, Darius Garland (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /

Darius Garland had a shaky rookie season for the Cleveland Cavaliers but he is just a few steps away from being an elite offensive threat.

The Cleveland Cavaliers made a puzzling decision to take Darius Garland with the No. 5 pick in last year’s NBA Draft despite selecting an undersized guard in Collin Sexton the year prior. Nonetheless, the expectations for Garland heading into his rookie season were high as the sole reason for drafting him was his elite talent level.

Aside from Ja Morant, Garland looked like the most skillful guard in his class. He was buttery smooth with his pull-up shot and averaged 16.2 points on close to 50 percent 3-point shooting at Vanderbilt.

The only problem is Garland suffered a knee injury just five games into his freshman season. This restricted him from developing any of his natural talents and made it more difficult to make a successful leap to the NBA.

His inexperience was on full display throughout his rookie year. Garland appeared hesitant at every turn – often passing up good opportunities to shoot. It didn’t help that he was playing under turmoil with his head coach bailing on the team midway through the season.

But, without making any excuses, the young guard was statistically one of the worst players in the entire association. He was atrocious on defense and barley a factor on offense. Certainly not the type of season you want from a lottery pick.

As a result, Garland ranked ninth in scoring, third in assists and second in turnovers among rookies. He even hit fewer 3-pointers than De’Andre Hunter, a player who was expected to struggle from deep entering the league.

In spite of his rocky season, Garland was able to earn 14 All-Rookie Second Team votes – largely due to a few flashes of potential he showed towards the second half of the year. Garland will look to build on those moments and develop some consistency as a sophomore.

In order to do this, Garland needs to focus on three aspects of his game. Improvements to these three categories will help him become a Rising Star next season.

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