Hoops Habit
Fansided

Ranking first-time NBA All-Stars by future potential

By Holden Walter-Warner

MIAMI, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 01: Darius Garland #10 and Jarrett Allen #31 of the Cleveland Cavaliers celebrate against the Miami Heat during the second half at FTX Arena on December 01, 2021 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 - DECEMBER 01: Darius Garland #10 and Jarrett Allen #31 of the Cleveland Cavaliers celebrate against the Miami Heat during the second half at FTX Arena on December 01, 2021 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) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 8
Next
Ranking first-time NBA All-Stars by future potential
MIAMI, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 01: Darius Garland #10 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on against the Miami Heat during the first half at FTX Arena on December 01, 2021 in Miami, Florida, Ranking first-time NBA All-Stars by future potential. 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) /

Ranking first-time NBA All-Stars by future potential: Darius Garland

Darius Garland has emerged as a star this season and is one of two first-time All-Stars on his team’s roster. For the first time since the LeBron days, the Cavaliers finally has franchise building blocks in place and Garland’s play this season is a big reason why.

Garland is having a career year across the board. The newly-minted 22-year-old is averaging 20.3 points, 8.0 assists, and 3.3 rebounds per game, all the best of his young career. His 47.7 percent field goal shooting is also the best mark he’s had.

The guard has also proven to be one of the best free-throw shooters in the league. He’s hitting 91.1 percent of his free throws, fifth in the league. He could stand to get to the line more – 2.4 attempts per game – but is almost automatic once he’s there.

Garland is still developing in some aspects of his game. As he’s taken over a bigger role, turnovers have become a bigger problem for the guard. He’s averaging 3.7 turnovers per game and is one of the league leaders in total turnovers.

For the Cavs, it shouldn’t matter that Garland is slightly turnover-prone. He has proven to be the perfect “ying” to the team’s big men’s “yang,” a combination that is leading to plentiful success. They’ve already exercised the option for 2022-23, but Garland is going to need to get paid, and soon.

Cleveland’s top concern for Garland should be keeping him healthy. The star has been in and out of the lineup in recent weeks with a sore back.