Cavs: KJG roundtable on start of 2019-20 and recent contract extensions

#2: Who’s been the most disappointing on the Cavs thus far?

Casey:

It’s not his fault, but John Henson. I think everyone was excited to have a guy like Henson who with his length (a 7-foot-6 wingspan), is someone who is a legitimate shot blocker.

The unfortunate injury issues (with most recently a reported hamstring strain) he’s had on the Cavs have been a disappointment for everyone involved, though.

DiPaola:

I don’t know if disappointing would be the right word to use for Darius Garland just five games into his NBA career, but he has had quite the rocky start. In his 27.0 minutes per game so far, Garland is hitting 30.2% from the floor and 30.0% from beyond the arc (per Basketball Reference).

In his last game against the Pacers, Garland finished 0-10 from the floor with just two points (per ESPN). He will surely break out of this early-season slump, but it is just a bit concerning early on.

Golonka:

I hesitate to say that I’m disappointed with any of the Cavs so far. We’re a young team, so there are going to be growing pains. I’m pretty disappointed that Ante Zizic is hurt (with reported plantar fasciitis in his left foot), but that’s not anyone’s fault.

I loved watching him down in the post last year, and he had a solid 7.8 points in 18.3 minutes per game (per Basketball Reference) and was excited to see how he plays alongside Love, who can spread the floor. I guess I’ll have to wait for Zizic!

Marling:

I understand the jump from college to the pros can be difficult. However, Darius Garland has not performed as well as I would have expected so far.

He looks very comfortable handling the ball but he is really struggling finishing around the rim and with his jumper. I have no doubt he will turn it around, though.

Meitin:

There hasn’t actually been much disappointing to start the season for the team so far, even with the 2-3 start. Garland has been up and down and is coming off his worst game as a professional, in which he went 0-10 from the floor against the Pacers, as Robbie hit on.

Garland has not been exceptionally great by any means but it is very much worth noting that he has also only now played a total of a mere 10 combined collegiate and NBA games and is still very much learning how to effectively play in this league. His development and likely strong play will come over time.

The team has to avoid the awful quarters like the past second quarter against the Pacers in which they were outscored 23-11 but otherwise, have played quite well to start the season, all things considered.