Darius Kinnard Garland

[Dr No]

Pretty wild to see his growth on defense.

Another year of experience, most sculpting, and positioning strategy and he could be a legit plus defender. He almost is one now.
His positioning, footwork, and hustle have all taken big strides

I don't think DG will ever be a plus defender individually. His numbers may look good with the defensive cast he has around him, but he's small and light and just doesn't have the attitude of a great defender. But he doesn't have to be a great defender, just adequate with the ability to turn it up a notch in key situations will get it done with the rest of our lineup.

 

[Sir'Dom Pointer]

Wow, I think DGs best quality as a defender is exactly his attitude. He doesn't let up. He is pesky..

 

[cavsfever]

The Knicks were focused on Mitchell after he burned them for 38 points in Game 1. He recognized that and dished out 13 assists, his highest total of the season. Before the game he also encouraged Garland to "be the All-Star that you are".

Mitchell deserves a lot credit for Garland's performance, although Darius was certainly outstanding.

When Mitchell, Garland, and LeVert are on the floor at the same time it seems the Cavs almost always can get a good shot.

The key is Mitchell being willing to act as a facilitator and whether Leverts shot is falling. If we get last nights Levert on any kind of consistent basis we are going to transform into a formidable offensive team. If you add that to Mobley perhaps getting a more consistent shot next year…

 

[shoes22]

I don't think DG will ever be a plus defender individually. His numbers may look good with the defensive cast he has around him, but he's small and light and just doesn't have the attitude of a great defender. But he doesn't have to be a great defender, just adequate with the ability to turn it up a notch in key situations will get it done with the rest of our lineup.

You’re still saying that after what you saw last night? Garland really took it to another level defensively, I was very impressed.

 

[Dr No]

You’re still saying that after what you saw last night? Garland really took it to another level defensively, I was very impressed.

I think that was one of those nights where he turned it up a notch. But I don't think DG will ever be a great defender night in and night out. I would be happy with "slightly above average", but would also love to be wrong.

 

[Sir'Dom Pointer]

I think that was one of those nights where he turned it up a notch. But I don't think DG will ever be a great defender night in and night out. I would be happy with "slightly above average", but would also love to be wrong.

He may never be an above average defender because he is a poor rebounder. But I suspect he will be a plus defender in the playoffs.

 

[mds]

I don't think DG will ever be a plus defender individually. His numbers may look good with the defensive cast he has around him, but he's small and light and just doesn't have the attitude of a great defender. But he doesn't have to be a great defender, just adequate with the ability to turn it up a notch in key situations will get it done with the rest of our lineup.

Did you watch the last game? Homie definitely played good D.

 

[jjvors]

The Knicks were focused on Mitchell after he burned them for 38 points in Game 1. He recognized that and dished out 13 assists, his highest total of the season. Before the game he also encouraged Garland to "be the All-Star that you are".

Mitchell deserves a lot credit for Garland's performance, although Darius was certainly outstanding.

When Mitchell, Garland, and LeVert are on the floor at the same time it seems the Cavs almost always can get a good shot.

More than the highest assist total of the year, it was his highest assist total of his career.

I'm always fascinated when Garland or Mitchell or both defer to LeVert and let him handle the ball and drive. I noticed that in the 4th quarter of recent games. It's like they're tired and they're happy to be catch and shoot or play off the ball.

When LeVert is hitting his pull-up jumper he's deadly. Remember he was a 20+ ppg guard with the Nets several years ago.

 

[pinoycavsfan]

Needs to be 10+ 3pt attempts consistently.

 

[Dr No]

Did you watch the last game? Homie definitely played good D.

He did. The whole team did. I'm just pointing out what is easily evident to everyone who has watched him for 4 years. Garland is not physically built to be a superior defender or wired up with the mentality of a great defender, but that doesn't mean he has to be bad at it. But if we are expecting him to become a defensive stopper, we are going to be disappointed.

 

[CanadaEh]

He did. The whole team did. I'm just pointing out what is easily evident to everyone who has watched him for 4 years. Garland is not physically built to be a superior defender or wired up with the mentality of a great defender, but that doesn't mean he has to be bad at it. But if we are expecting him to become a defensive stopper, we are going to be disappointed.

He might not have the ideal physicals to be a top tier defender, but how are you questioning the mentality after watching last nights game? In the biggest game of his career, he shut down multiple possessions on his own.

 

[Dr No]

He might not have the ideal physicals to be a top tier defender, but how are you questioning the mentality after watching last nights game? In the biggest game of his career, he shut down multiple possessions on his own.

A guy that's played thousands of basketball games isn't likely going to change his persona because of one game. But if he only turns it on in playoff games, it will be great. DG is a very good player. I'm not sure why its controversial to say he's not likely to be a great defender.

 

[mds]

I think the reaction you're getting is saying he couldn't be a plus defender, which is a much lower bar that a great defender. You also said he doesn't have the attitude and he certainly had the attitude last night. I don't think any of us thinking he's gonna be Tony Allen, but if he's an average defender at his position thats quite a big plus compared to how he's normally portrayed.

 

[MirORich]

I think that was one of those nights where he turned it up a notch. But I don't think DG will ever be a great defender night in and night out. I would be happy with "slightly above average", but would also love to be wrong.

I didn’t say Great defender
I said Plus defender
There’s a difference

Also. I’m not basing any on box scores. Purely watching him defend in the court.

And if you watched many games this season(I assume you watched many), how can you say last night was a one time thing. He had a great game against Trae and the Hawks earlier in the year. Has had plenty of games where he exhibited the growth he’s made on the defensive end, especially again in the positioning, footwork, staying in front of his man, getting into his man, etc

 

[Cavatt]

He should be getting MORE credit for his D. He was helping on Randle in the post, and he shut off 6'7" Barrett. They stashed him on Barrett and how many points did he score? How many Fts did he have?

He's a 19.6 pts a game scorer

Quickly too!!

His feet are really good and he has great footwork too just like on offense