Cavs: Ranking starters at every position in Central Division

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Cavs: Ranking starters at every position in Central Division – Point Guards

5. Killian Hayes

The No. 7 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, Killian Hayes missed most of last season due to injury. When he did play he was perhaps the worst point guard in the league. The learning curve for rookies is tough, especially when you’re injured and in the midst of a pandemic. Even so, Hayes did not look much better in Summer League and is starting his second season encircled with doubt and questions about whether he can be a long-term starter for the team.

4. Darius Garland

Darius Garland has followed the classic growth trajectory since entering the league two seasons ago, getting better as the season goes along and taking a leap after an offseason of development. If that happens again this year the Cavs will know they have found their point guard of the future. His lack of a proven track record just barely slots him behind Lonzo Ball on this list.

3. Lonzo Ball

Now on his third NBA team, Lonzo Ball is somehow underrated and overrated at the same time. His usage is lower than normal for a talented modern point guard, as Ball thrives off-ball. Defensively he is active and instinctive, but he’s also not turning around a defense by himself, a shortcoming that applies to all guards but may doom a Chicago Bulls lineup without many defensive options.

2. Malcolm Brogdon

The Indiana Pacers invested a lot of money in Malcolm Brogdon to pry him away from their fellow Central Division team in Milwaukee, and Brogdon’s play thus far has validated that decision. Capable of playing on-ball or off, Brogdon can pass, shoot, finish and play defense. He’s not a star, but he would be a solid addition to virtually any starting backcourt in the league.

1. Jrue Holiday

While more prolific forwards dominated the headlines and the accolades, Jrue Holiday was a crucial piece to the Milwaukee Bucks winning the NBA Finals and Team USA Basketball winning the gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics. He is a gifted passer and fearless scorer, but his best weapon is an enveloping defensive style that can take opponents completely out of the game.