Cleveland Cavaliers: 3 ways Ricky Rubio can help Darius Garland

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Then-Minnesota Timberwolves guard Ricky Rubio defends on-ball. (Photo by Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports) /

#1: Rubio can help Garland improve his defensive awareness for the Cavs

Cleveland will be getting a solid defender in Ricky Rubio. His defensive IQ has always been a notable strength of his game, and even with him set to be in Year 11 of his career, he’s still a very good defensive player. If Garland can absorb and learn from Rubio’s defensive game, he could definitely improve on that end this season.

Rubio will bring a defensive edge to the guard rotation in Cleveland. During this past season with the Timberwolves, Rubio managed to average 2.9 defensive rebounds and 1.4 steals per game. Additionally, he managed to garner an impressive 2.0 steals per-36 minutes this last season as well.

Meanwhile, throughout his 2020-21 NBA season, Darius Garland averaged 2.0 defensive rebounds per game, along with 1.2 steals. His defensive feel, despite not being the best on-ball defender, did take strides in Year 2 though, and Rubio’s veteran presence could further aid Garland’s development in that realm, too.

Garland is already on track to be a successful guard in this league and taking a step forward defensively would be huge for him. And with Ricky Rubio donning the Wine and Gold this next season, it is inevitable that he will be able to pass along his defensive knowledge to Cleveland’s young guard.

Next up, let’s take a look at Rubio’s offensive capabilities and how they will affect Garland.