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Cleveland Cavaliers: Keys to success for each young star

By Tony Pesta

MIAMI, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 22: Collin Sexton #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers talks with Kevin Porter Jr. #4 against the Miami Heat during the first half at American Airlines Arena on February 22, 2020 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 - FEBRUARY 22: Collin Sexton #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers talks with Kevin Porter Jr. #4 against the Miami Heat during the first half at American Airlines Arena on February 22, 2020 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 (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
Cleveland Cavaliers (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

Darius Garland

Confidence

To no surprise, Darius Garland’s confidence took a hit last year. He began the season timid, often taking a backseat and deferring to his teammates. Garland attempted just 10.8 field goals per game through December, the fourth most on the team and roughly around the same amount as Tristan Thompson (9.9).

Obviously, Garland should be shooting more than Thompson. After all, he was drafted because of his offensive potency in college. While he elevated his attempts to 13.4 after the new year, Garland will need to continue building on his assertiveness.

Shot Creation

There was a direct correlation between Garland’s confidence and his success last season. He spent most of the season in the shadow of Collin Sexton. But, on rare occasions, Garland’s ability to catch fire from the floor took over.

Take for example a showstopping performance versus the Denver Nuggets where he scored six consecutive points to lift the Cavaliers over the Nuggets in a road victory. Or, the Cavaliers’ narrow win over the Atlanta Hawks in December when Garland scored 10 points on 4-of-5 shooting in the fourth quarter.

Garland is wildly talented at finding his own shot. His shifty handle and endless creativity give him the potential to be a high-level scorer. This is his greatest strength and it should be a point of emphasis moving forward.

Playmaking

Garland and Sexton are currently on the hot seat when it comes to playmaking. The Cavaliers can’t afford to play two ball-dominant guards next to each other if neither will accept a distributor role. Seeing as how Sexton is blossoming as a scorer, it might be in Garland’s best interest to improve as a passer.

Now, this doesn’t mean Garland should revert to being a backup option. Some of the NBA’s best playmakers are primarily scorers (James Harden, Stephen Curry, LeBron James). Garland needs to grow adept at using his threat as a shooter to open up opportunities for his teammates. The time to dominate will present itself eventually, but he must also be looking to create plays for others.

Garland began to do this before the season ended, dishing over 5.0 assists per game through the final two months. Hopefully, we see this trend continue next year.

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