From winning a championship in 2016 to drafting inside the Top-5 of the NBA Draft the last three years, the Cavaliers were really hit hard by LeBron James’ departure in 2018. Since then, this organization has been trying to put together a very strong, youthful core of talent and they have done a great job in doing so to this point. 

Since being drafted 8th overall in 2018, Collin Sexton has asserted himself as one of the best young backcourt scorers in the league, and his “partner in crime” in Darius Garland has a lot of potential as well.

Garland has been in the league for two seasons now and while he has missed roughly 17.5% of the Cavaliers games since entering the league, he is coming off a big year in which he averaged 17.4 points, 6.1 assists, and shot 39.5% from three-point range. 

Along with other young talents in Isaac Okoro, Jarrett Allen and now third overall pick Evan Mobley, this Cleveland Cavaliers team definitely have a lot of potential to grow for the future, but can they be a factor right now?

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The additions of Lauri Markkanen, Ricky Rubio, Denzel Valentine and Kevin Pangos certainly make the Cavs a team to keep an eye on in the Eastern Conference and soon-to-be third-year guard Darius Garland believes this team has a chance to surprise many around the league. 

On the latest HoopsHype podcast episode hosted by Michael Scotto, Garland talked about his expectations for not only himself but his entire team as well. 

“We have a young squad coming in this year, so I’m trying to be a leader for these guys… I’m trying to lead by example and talk to a lot of guys, and win games. That’s what we’re trying to do. For myself, try to get better every day and, hopefully, make a push for an All-Star Game for the first time in Cleveland.”

Making the All-Star game in his third season in the league would surely be an accomplishment for Garland and he definitely has the talent to be able to do so.