Cavs select Darius Garland with No. 5 pick
With the No. 5 pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, the Cleveland Cavaliers have selected Vanderbilt point guard Darius Garland.
Garland is arguably the second-best player at his position in this year's draft, even after an injury-shortened freshman season. Through five games, the 19-year-old averaged 16.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per contest while shooting 47.8 percent from 3-point range before being shut down with a torn meniscus. Such a small sample of collegiate play could've hurt Garland's draft stock, but the Indiana native also boasts a strong high school resume.
Garland was named Tennessee Mr. Basketball as the best high school player in the state three years in a row. During his senior year in 2018, he was selected to play in the Jordan Brand Classic, the Nike Hoop Summit, and the McDonald's All-American Game. The Indiana native is a Day 1 starter and will be a foundational piece on which to build if he remains healthy.
Bio
Position: PG
School: Vanderbilt
College experience: Freshman
Height: 6-foot-2
Weight: 175 lbs
Wingspan: 6-foot-5
Max vertical: N/A
Strengths
- Quickness is arguably his biggest asset. Elite ball-handling skills allow him to shift directions seamlessly and he has another gear if needed to blow past defenders on drives.
- Can create his own shot off step-backs and pull-up jumpers.
- Has NBA range from distance.
- Gets his shot off quickly.
- Remains an offensive threat off the ball via dribble handoffs and catch-and-shoot jump shots.
Weaknesses
- Must be more responsible with the ball; he had more turnovers (15) than assists (13) during his lone season with the Commodores.
- Playmaking needs to improve for him to be a longtime fixture at the point.
- Slightly undersized and needs to bulk up to avoid being exposed defensively.