• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Cavs Daily

Cavs News. Rumors. Highlights. Now

  • Home
  • Daily News
  • Newsletter
  • Contact
  • About

With Darius Garland Signed, Cavs Can Focus On Building Around Him

By Robert Marvi July 6, 2022

Darius Garland #10 of the Cleveland Cavaliers dribbles during the second half against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on April 08, 2022 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The Nets won 118-107. 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 Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

 

Just one year after LeBron James left the Cleveland Cavaliers for the second time, they found their new floor leader and potential franchise player in Darius Garland.

He was the fifth overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, and although he had a relatively quiet rookie season, averaging 12.3 points on 40.1 percent shooting and 3.9 assists per game, his potential was clear.

This past season, he started to become his best self, putting up an efficient 21.7 points and 8.6 assists a game while earning his first All-Star selection.

Garland may not be considered an elite point guard yet, but he is certainly on his way and getting close to that type of recognition.

Just a few days ago, he secured the bag when he agreed to a five-year max contract that will be worth at least nearly $200 million.

Cleveland Cavaliers All-Star guard Darius Garland has agreed on a five-year, $193M maximum designated rookie contract extension that could be worth as much as $231M, @KlutchSports CEO Rich Paul tells ESPN. It is the largest deal in franchise history.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 2, 2022

With their biggest franchise cornerstone in place, the Cavs can now look to the future with confidence while focusing their attention on putting together a championship-caliber roster around him.

 

Garland Could Be A Special Player

Several years ago, a year after James’ first departure, Cleveland had the good fortune of earning the first pick in the 2011 NBA Draft, which they used on Kyrie Irving.

Irving blossomed into a star almost right away, and by the time the Cavs won the 2016 NBA championship, it was clear that Irving was more than just a garden-variety star point guard.

It is starting to look like Garland may have similar potential.

No one knows for sure yet if he will develop elite ball-handling skills that are anywhere in the area of Irving’s or the penchant for hitting clutch shots that the North Jersey native has in spades.

But Garland’s best strength right now may be his passing.

In fact, some feel that he is not just a really good passer, but a truly elite one.

good morning, a reminder that darius garland’s passing is generational pic.twitter.com/kvCylQweNu

— Merrick (@MStorlie87) March 9, 2022

Darius Garland's passing is just marvelous pic.twitter.com/1pIxHnTesk

— Mark Schindler (@MG_Schindler) December 27, 2021

The fact that he averaged 8.6 assists per game is even more impressive when one considers the lack of 3-point shooters around him and the fact that Cleveland was one of the slowest paced teams in the NBA in 2022.

In fact, it was just 20th in fast-break points during the regular season.

If head coach J.B. Bickerstaff remakes the Cavs into more of a fast-breaking team moving forward, it could open the flood gates for Garland to develop faster and take better advantage of his passing talent.

 

Now It’s Time For The Cavs To Get Down To Business

Cleveland has some difficult decisions left to make this offseason.

It needs to decide whether to give guard Collin Sexton a new contract or package him in a potential sign-and-trade deal.

Sexton may not command as much money as once thought, but the Cavs have reportedly had some hesitation about starting him alongside Garland in the backcourt.

It would also help immensely if they end up acquiring a proven 3-and-D wing with length to help them corral the Eastern Conference’s many star forwards.

The Cavs and their fans seem to fully expect a trip to the playoffs next season, and with Garland locked up, the team now has a better sense of what its financial situation will look like moving forward, allowing it to achieve more clarity in terms of who it can go after this summer.

    Get ALL the latest Cavs news straight to your inbox! Subscribe to the Cavs newsletter here!    

Filed Under: Daily News Tagged With: Darius Garland

About Robert Marvi

Robert is a Los Angeles-area native and has been an avid NFL and NBA fan since he was a little kid. He feels strongly that pro sports aren't just a form of entertainment, but also a great way to learn life lessons and find inspiration.

Reader Interactions

Follow Cavs Daily!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More Darius Garland News

Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors drives to the basket on Jarrett Allen #31 of the Cleveland Cavaliers in the fourth quarter of an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on November 11, 2022 in San Francisco, California.

Jarrett Allen Praises The Cavaliers Frontcourt

4 weeks ago

Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts during the second quarter against the Washington Wizards at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on October 23, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio.

The Cavaliers Celebrate Every Success Together

4 weeks ago

Caris LeVert #3 and Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers high five against the Chicago Bulls during the first half at United Center on December 31, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois.

Donovan Mitchell Makes A Shocking Claim About The NBA

4 weeks ago

Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers dribbles up the court against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at United Center on December 31, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois.

Suns Star Issues Big Warning To Donovan Mitchell

4 weeks ago

Robin Lopez #33 of the Cleveland Cavaliers shoots over Andre Drummond #3 of the Chicago Bulls during the second half at United Center on December 31, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois.

Cavaliers Star Makes Hilarious Joke On Mitchell's Big Night

4 weeks ago

Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts against the Chicago Bulls during the first half at United Center on December 31, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois.

Donovan Mitchell Made Cavaliers History

4 weeks ago

Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff of the Cleveland Cavaliers yells to his players during the second half against the Philadelphia 76ers at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on November 30, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the 76ers 113-85.

Cavaliers Head Coach Makes Bold Claim

1 month ago

Ricky Rubio #3 of the Cleveland Cavaliers in action against the Brooklyn Nets during their game at Barclays Center on November 17, 2021 in New York City.

Beloved Cavaliers Star Raises Hopes For A Great 2023

1 month ago

Fans React To Cavs' Win Over Bucks

1 month ago

Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers warms up before playing the Toronto Raptors in their basketball game at the Scotiabank Arena on November 28, 2022 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Cavaliers Superstar Gets A Big NBA Honor

1 month ago

Evan Mobley #4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers shoots over Brook Lopez #11 of the Milwaukee Bucks during the second half of a game at Fiserv Forum on November 16, 2022 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Evan Mobley & Jarrett Allen Work Flawlessly Together

2 months ago

Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts during their game against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center on November 09, 2022 in Sacramento, California.

2 Things That We Are Learning About The Cavs This Season

2 months ago

Darius Garland #10 of the Cleveland Cavaliers runs a play while under pressure from Marcus Smart #36 of the Boston Celtics d2q at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on November 02, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio.

The Cavaliers Backcourt Impressed Again On Wednesday

2 months ago

Alec Burks # of the Detroit Pistons poses for a portrait during Detroit Pistons Media Day at Little Caesars Arena on September 26, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan.

2 Players The Cavs Should Call About At The Deadline

2 months ago

Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers celebrates after the Cleveland Cavaliers scored during the first quarter against the Boston Celtics at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on November 02, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio.

Donovan Mitchell Did It Again Against The Mavericks

2 months ago

Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors drives to the basket on Jarrett Allen #31 of the Cleveland Cavaliers in the fourth quarter of an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on November 11, 2022 in San Francisco, California.

Jarrett Allen Made It Look Easy Wednesday Night

2 months ago

Darius Garland #10 of the Cleveland Cavaliers handles the ball during a game against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum on November 16, 2022 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

1 Stud And 1 Dud From Cavs' Win Over Mavericks

2 months ago

Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers celebrates after scoring during the third quarter against the Washington Wizards at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on October 23, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Wizards 117-107 in overtime. 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.

Fans React To Cavs' Win Over Mavericks

2 months ago

Caris LeVert #3 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on during the second half at TD Garden on October 28, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts.

2 Takeaways From The Cavs Loss To The Spurs Monday

2 months ago

Darius Garland #10 of the Cleveland Cavaliers handles the ball during a game against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum on November 16, 2022 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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.

Should Fans Be Concerned About Darius Garland's Injury?

2 months ago

Donovan Mitchell #45 Kevin Love #0 and Isaac Okoro #35 of the Cleveland Cavaliers celebrate during the fourth quarter of the game against the New York Knicks at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on October 30, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Knicks 121-108.

The Cavaliers Look To Bounce Back On Wednesday

2 months ago

Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers celebrates with teammates after dunking the ball in the second half of the game against the Chicago Bulls on October 22, 2022 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. Cleveland defeated Chicago 128-96.

Donovan Mitchell Showed A Different Side Of Himself On Monday

2 months ago

Darius Garland #10 of the Cleveland Cavaliers handles the ball during a game against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum on November 16, 2022 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Darius Garland Didn't Have A Wonderful Monday Night

2 months ago

Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts in the closing seconds of the game against the Los Angeles Clippers at Crypto.com Arena on November 7, 2022 in Los Angeles, California.

The Cavaliers Came To Life Too Late On Monday

2 months ago

Primary Sidebar

Search Cavs Daily

Follow Cavs Daily!

Footer

Privacy Policy

Terms and Conditions

Copyright © 2023 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED - CavsDaily.com is not affiliated with the Cleveland Cavaliers or National Basketball Association.