Darius Kinnard Garland

[Omar The Horse]

Put him in Canton.

 

[Joe Henderson]

If they want to bench him, the only option is to start Sexton at the 1, then eventually two of Cedi, Okoro, KPJ and Windler on the wings. Throw Exum and Dotson into the mix if the young guys can’t handle themselves.

But I also think it’s too early. If the Cavs decide that the best thing for his development is an extended leash and more playing time, then I’m fine with that as well. There’s no rush to be competitive.

 

[pinoycavsfan]

If they want to bench him, the only option is to start Sexton at the 1, then eventually two of Cedi, Okoro, KPJ and Windler on the wings. Throw Exum and Dotson into the mix if the young guys can’t handle themselves.

But I also think it’s too early. If the Cavs decide that the best thing for his development is an extended leash and more playing time, then I’m fine with that as well. There’s no rush to be competitive.

Wouldn't mind giving a longer leash for the sake of development; however, it takes away development time for sexton who has shown he is the better prospect. Rather see sexton fail at pointguard than garland. The former has the athletic ability and work ethic to be a good NBA guard.

 

[AllforOne]

What I would do is just name Sexton, Love, and Drummond starters then say the other 2 spots will be a decision on matchup and who is playing best. It gives JBB the ability to work on lineups and it makes the other guys work to get into the starting lineup. Okoro probably ends up solidifying his spot at some point during the season. It also gives Sexton the opportunity to run the point and work on that part of his game.

This makes a lot of sense to me.

Those three guys have earned it with their play over previous seasons. Garland, KPJ, Okoro, Windler, Dotson, etc. have not.

I'd be very interested to see a Sexton-Okoro-Windler-Love-Drummond lineup at some point.

 

[Wham with the Right Hand]

If we get him to reach his potential (he can) be the cornerstone of an organization. His skill set is what the NBA is. - JBB on Kevin Porter, Jr

As athletic as I think I am, I can’t do some of the things [Kevin Porter, Jr’s] done. There are some things he does athletically and things he sees on the court that scream, ‘I will be in the league, playing at a high level, for a while.’ - Larry Nance, Jr

I think we really haven’t even tapped into his potential yet. He’s really incredible, what he will be capable of in the future. - Kevin Love on Kevin Porter, Jr

Bickerstaff has been coaching in the NBA since 2004. He's seen a few players. Love has been around the league once or twice. Nance has been in the league six years and grew up in the game. All of these guys are saying the same thing about Porter.

So if I'm the Cavs I'm not screwing around. As soon as this kid completes whatever return-to-play program they have him on they should give him all the minutes he can handle. Make him the #1 priority and build the team around him, Sexton, Nance, and Okoro. If Drummond buys in then he can come along, too.

Nobody is saying Garland can be the cornerstone of an organization or can do things that scream he will be playing at a high level for a long time. But let's give him a chance. He could be another Fred Van Vleet (same height and weight) who started for the 53-19 Raptors last year alongside Kyle Lowry. In the 2018-19 NBA Finals he came off the bench in game 6 to score 22 points in 34 minutes. His playoff career averages are 39 minutes per game, 19.6 points, 6.9 assists, and 4.4 rebounds.

Van Vleet did not become a full-time starter until his fourth season at age 25. Garland isn't 21 yet.

I could eventually see a Garland/Sexton backcourt similar to the Lowry/Van Vleet backcourt in Toronto if Garland keeps working hard on his game. But right now the Cavs should build the team around Porter, Sexton, Okoro, and Nance while evaluating whether Drummond could be a long term fit both in skill set and buy-in.

 

[sailfish]

I’m not encouraged by what I’ve seen from Garland so far. He looks like the same player he was last year with 10 lbs added to his frame. I’m not saying he’s a bust, but I don’t see much explosion or any sense of urgency in his play. I think it’s more than a physical issue & may be a case of a guy who’s ‘comfortable’ with where he’s at, that being on an NBA roster

 

[JJ_PR]

I don't know what ya'll are talking about tbh. I saw plenty of encouraging things from Garland. He looks like he's growing into his body. Remember, he's 20 years old & had his freshman season @ college cut short. I know he struggled with turnovers, but I wouldn't put too much stock in a few preseason games. If he keeps struggling into the regular season, then I'll be concerned.

Garland hadn't played in over 9 months. Some rustiness was to be expected. I thought he looked fantastic anyway. He's quick as heck.

 

[Los216]

I don't know what ya'll are talking about tbh. I saw plenty of encouraging things from Garland. He looks like he's growing into his body. Remember, he's 20 years old & had his freshman season @ college cut short. I know he struggled with turnovers, but I wouldn't put too much stock in a few preseason games. If he keeps struggling into the regular season, then I'll be concerned.

Garland hadn't played in over 9 months. Some rustiness was to be expected. I thought he looked fantastic anyway. He's quick as heck.

If its not obvious already people have made their minds up on Garland for several reasons.

My theory is that people don't like him because he's a Klutch client and he plays the same position as the guy who people latched onto because he who was picked with the pick we traded Kyrie for.

 

[JJ_PR]

If its not obvious already people have made their minds p on Garland for several reasons.

My theory is that people don't like him because he's a Klutch client and he plays the same position as the guy ho people latched onto because he who was picked with the pick we traded Kyrie for.

Idk, but having them both is a good problem to have. Garland will prove doubters wrong this season.

 

[Los216]

Idk, but having them both is a good problem to have. Garland will prove doubters wrong this season.

It's not a good problem at all.

 

[Wham with the Right Hand]

If its not obvious already people have made their minds p on Garland for several reasons.

My theory is that people don't like him because he's a Klutch client and he plays the same position as the guy ho people latched onto because he who was picked with the pick we traded Kyrie for.

Nah - Sexton is more of a 2 than a 1 and who cares who Garland's agent is. If he was playing great everybody would be on board with him. But JJ_PR made a good point - he hasn't played in nine months except for the mini-bubble. IMO his handle looks good, his floater looks good, and he's a terrific passer. He just needs to get the 3-point shot down and improve his defense.

 

[Los216]

Nah - Sexton is more of a 2 than a 1 and who cares who Garland's agent is. If he was playing great everybody would be on board with him. But JJ_PR made a good point - he hasn't played in nine months except for the mini-bubble. IMO his handle looks good, his floater looks good, and he's a terrific passer. He just needs to get the 3-point shot down and improve his defense.

I agree that Sexton is mire of a 2 then a 1 but as soon a Garland was drafted it ended any talks o Sexton Bing a 1 yet people want him to replace Garland as the teams PG.

And Garland wasn't given a chance by a lot of people because of who his agent is right or wrong.

 

[daddywags]

I have nothing against Garland and couldn't care less about his agent. It's a tad bit defensive to suggest that anyone who can't obviously see him as the future at PG for this team must have ulterior motives. If he's going to be our full time PG playmaker I want to see it on the court. IMO he hasn't come anywhere near showing that yet. He's going to get his chance to start this season so we'll see.

 

[Blazie]

Garland hadn't played in over 9 months. Some rustiness was to be expected.

The only problem I have with this take is that every other player (that wasn't in the bubble) in this league has had the exact same challenges. Relative to other players that haven't played in 9 months, he still looks a little behind.

I agree with everything else you said though. He just hasn't played a whole lot of highly competitive basketball at all, depending on your point of view, because of his age and college experience.

 

[sailfish]

I have nothing against Garland and couldn't care less about his agent. It's a tad bit defensive to suggest that anyone who can't obviously see him as the future at PG for this team must have ulterior motives. If he's going to be our full time PG playmaker I want to see it on the court. IMO he hasn't come anywhere near showing that yet. He's going to get his chance to start this season so we'll see.

Well said. I could care less who his agent is. All I care about is on court production and he’s played nowhere close to what I expect from the #5 overall pick. Last year, he had the excuses of the knee & being a rookie. He has no such excuses this year.