The Cleveland Cavaliers are in rebuild mode. Collin Sexton experienced a promising rookie year last season, and now the Cavs have young guard Darius Garland, who was the 5th pick overall in the 2019 NBA Draft.
Prior to the draft this summer, the 19-year-old out of Vanderbilt was a potential target of the Los Angeles Lakers, and he even had workouts with the Lakers. However, the Cavs acted quickly to snap him up early in the draft with a clear intention of pairing him with Sexton.
Garland has already impressed coaches in workouts this summer.
“In workouts, the Cavs have been very impressed with Garland’s shooting range,” Pluto wrote. “One official called it ‘almost endless.’ The Cavs are working on Garland’s ball-handling and passing skills, especially in pick-and-roll situations.”
Cleveland Cavaliers PG Darius Garland Hesi was so NASTY back in High School. pic.twitter.com/RHZsL5HcXX
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) August 31, 2019
The Indiana native played just five games for the Vanderbilt Commodores before suffering a season-ending knee injury, but still, the Cavs had faith in him and selected him with the 5th pick. Before the injury occurred, Garland averaged 16.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game.