Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Darius Garland entered the NBA as one of its most skilled players out the gate.
However, the 2023-24 season may be Garland’s best yet, as the 23-year-old continues to ascend after being selected 5th overall in the 2019 NBA Draft. Though frankly overshadowed by Donovan Mitchell in 2022-23 with the four-time All-Star showing out in his first season with the franchise, Garland was as dangerous as ever.
Averaging 21.6 points, 7.8 assists, and 1.2 steals per game while shooting 46.2 percent from the field and 41.0 percent from 3, Garland’s ball-handling, court vision, passing prowess, shot creation and shot-making ability were on constant display.
Yet, his latest workout video shows a star steadily approaching his prime, demonstrating a combination of craftiness and touch that the Cavs haven’t seen since Kyrie Irving.
An All-Star in the 2021-22 season, Garland could certainly return to that tier of stars with this type of play in the regular season. Although a similarly crafty rising star in New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson found himself bypassed for the 2023 All-Star Game as well, Garland — like Brunson — could at least be considered as an injury replacement (if not an outright snub).
It may be worth noting that Garland finding himself the subject of trade rumors for the first time in his career this offseason. Allegations which, even if baseless, may serve to light a fire underneath him.
Especially with Mitchell coming to the franchise and becoming the unspoken face of the franchise when Garland appeared to be next to the carry the torch.
Garland certainly wouldn’t harbor any ill will towards Mitchell even if it were true. Nonetheless, with his latest workout video, he may have just reminded everyone he can be as much of a star as anyone.
How do the fans feel?
Check out the video and how the fans reacted below: