Darius Kinnard Garland

[inliner311]

Maybe Garland just not ready. Guy might be too soft. He should have stayed in college a couple more years.

I don't think the light has gone on and the game has slowed down for Garland. I think his playing style just isn't one that it would be obvious that everything is going too fast for him. I think he is a person who has conditioned himself to seem cool and collected while being nonchalant about everything.

I think he is too reliant on his quick release right now and doesn't get his body/feet set to be a consistent scorer. His release is naturally so quick that it's hard to tell when he is rushing a shot or not.

I think once the light does go on for him, the coaching staff can start breaking down how he shooting the ball and how and where to use different shots. They probably have purposely not throw alot of stuff at him yet because if the game hasn't slowed down, he would be over thinking everything while on the floor.

We saw the light go on for Sexton and Cedi around this time last season. Hopefully it goes on for Garland soon and he can get a good chunk of good games to go into the off-season with so he knows exactly what to work on over the summer.

 

[Wham with the Right Hand]

I don't think it's possible to make any judgments about Garland this season. I'll wait until this time next year. I believe the most important factor will be his attitude and work ethic, neither of which I feel able to judge right now.

After last night's game the Cavs only play two games in the next 15 days, giving Garland a chance to recharge his batteries and also get in some valuable practice time. He'll also have Drummond to pass to for the next 30 games. Those two could develop into a pretty good pick-and-roll team along with Drummond and Sexton.

 

[Funkmastabuck]

I'm not calling Garland a bust yet. But I do find it interesting how around the draft, we buy into certain narratives about how many elite prospects there are and where the cutoff is.

For example, when the Cavs went on the clock at #5, everyone said we basically had to take Garland despite Sexton being on the roster, because he was the last of that tier of elite prospects in the draft.

I'm not so sure that was really the case.

 

[MrX]

The problem I see with criticizing drafting Garland is who else do we draft? The way I seen it if you didn't get Zion or Morant then it's a long shot.

Garland had the most potential available. If the draft was done over again I see Garland going #5 maybe #6 at this point. This draft still looks weak and could be years before we see what's here.

Garland is 2nd in ast behind Morant and close 3rd in 3pt made. It's Garland's shooting that's hurting him from being 3rd best in the draft but so is everyone else that was in mocked around the 5th pick.

Culver Barrett Reddish White Hunter all shot the ball poorly. Hell I would take Kevin Porter at #30 at this point before any of these players

 

[daddywags]

Personally I wanted Hunter or Culver. With Hunter gone I would have taken Culver. He's been pretty bad so far so . . . . Have to check back in a few years.

 

[rcj47]

Garlands problem is that he is not physically ready to defend NBA athletes AND he is learning NBA level rotations.. Opposing teams switch him until they get a physical player on him and just beat home into dust.. on a better defensive team, he would get help, but often.he is just left on the island..

A team can hide such a weakness ( IT in Boston for example) but it needs a defensive squad that works in synch.. that's a long putt for Sexton and Garland right now..

His slight physical fame also affects him in the offensive end. He can't get anywhere near the hoop on drives and once teams guard his floater in the lane he is left with 3 point shooting alone. He's only averaging 1.3 FTA per game at 30 minutes playing time. The lack of getting anywhere while driving also affects his ability to drive and kick to open teammates.

I already think he has some questionable decision making too he has to work on. While he is a good passer for the most part, that doesn't mean he is this great floor general type. Court vision and awareness at a high level are rare anymore in the NBA.

I view him now as a project and how well it turns out is mostly on how much he can get stronger, plus stay durable. It looks like the Cavs fell in love with this shot as he definitely doesn't look like a lottery pick this year.

 

[buzzdog]

In most of the games I've seen where the Cavs have been blown off the floor, Garland has been the main culprit. Missed shots and turnovers, no defense. He's out of his league. He needs time on a good college team to develop as a player and since that ship has sailed then maybe he should go build up some confidence in the G league. He looks completely overmatched at this level, a boy among men.

 

[Alec]

The man has me somewhat mixed up. During the game tonight, he showed some strong decisive dribbling...then he couldn’t beat the 7’0 center off the dribble on the perimeter.

his shot is a beauty. Results in brick after brick.

hits a crafty floater from far out...can’t finish near the hoop.

this isn’t the best he has to offer. The results are pissing me off but he is much better than this.
The defense may never be up to par but the offense will click. Though perhaps next season

 

[Funkmastabuck]

Garland's pre-draft private workout was one dangerous moment for this Cavaliers franchise.

Looks like he got hot for one glorious moment.

 

[Fábio Martins]

I was really excited when he was angry shouting 'oh my fucking god'. We need that fire from Garland. Time to be hungry young fellow! You got the tools but you could definitely use them better

 

[Nphan]

Should've drafted Jarret Culver.

 

[ClevelandCav]

Should've drafted Jarret Culver.

Couldn't agree more. Trying to build around two 6'2" guards who can't play defense. Hope Altman can trade one of them for meaningful assets in the offseason.

 

[MrX]

Culver has been beyond disappointing. 9pts in nearly 25 mins shooting FG% 38% 3pt% 27% FT% 45% and eFG% of 43%

 

[Kiddo]

Garland has been somewhat of a disappointment but keep in mind he's basically a college freshman going against nba players. He's still had flashes that warrant being a top 5 pick.

 

[Wham with the Right Hand]

IMO Garland needs to pattern his game after Fred VanVleet. Garland is listed at 6'1", 192; FVV is 6'1", 197. They appear to be very similar in body type.

FVV is shooting only 41.2% from the field but 39.6% on 3's. His 2-point percentage is 42.5%. Like most little men he has trouble finishing near the rim and it's tougher to get your mid-range jumper off when you're only 6'1". He makes up for it by hitting nearly 40% of his 3's.

Garland is at 35.4% so he needs to improve on his 3's. His 2-point percentage is identical to FVV. In terms of assists FVV has a big advantage (6.9 to 3.8 playing five more minutes), so Garland needs to get better there as well, although having Lowry, Siakam, and Leonard to pass to obviously helps Fred's assist numbers.

Garland tries to force too many passes into small windows. He still hasn't adjusted to the length and quickness of NBA players. His judgment will improve.

In terms of defense, FVV ranks 179 out of 491 in defensive rating by NBA.com. Garland ranks 452. Clearly Garland needs to make big strides defensively.

VanVleet is in his fourth NBA season and turns 26 this month. He's averaging 17.9 ppg and 6.9 assists. Garland is almost six years younger. I think Garland has a realistic chance of becoming a FVV clone, and it won't take six years. Maybe two. Mainly he needs to improve his defense and 3-point shooting. If he does he still won't justify being a #5 pick, but he'll be a good, contributing player who can start on a Championship team with the right players around him.

So if Sexton can develop into Kyle Lowry, Porter can become another Siakam (only 5" shorter), Drummond can be Marc Gasol, Nance can develop into a Serge Ibaka, and we can draft the next Kawhi Leonard we'll be all set.