I agree with the first half of your post, but not the last. Gifted athletes are harder hit when their physical skills decline because they rely on being bigger, faster, more explosive. For many its difficult to adjust when they lose their natural advantage. The Garland types who have fought to earn their abilities to compete are less affected because they've had to battle to get where they are. They use smarts over physical traits. I'm not saying Garland's physical abilities are limited, they aren't. He's just the physical specimen who can overwhelm you on the court. He needs no-how, cleverness, and misdirection to excel, which he often provides. I do think the beating he took throughout this season has him playing only to a fraction of his ability. Coming back from no solid foods into the toughest part of the schedule is a tough ask. He (and Mitchell) won't be whole again until next season.