Cavs: 3 bold predictions for Darius Garland’s 2021-22 season

Bold prediction #1: Garland leads the Cavs in scoring in 2021-22

In his 2020-21 season Garland averaged 17.4 points, to go with 6.1 assists per game. Garland had a relatively productive outing in his second year in the NBA. Given that he has already improved his scoring from his rookie season, it only makes sense that Cleveland’s starting point guard would show out in his third year. That is where the first bold prediction comes in, Garland will lead all of his teammates in scoring for the 2021-22 NBA season.

Darius Garland will be one of the players leading the Cavs youth movement moving forward. Last year, Collin Sexton led the Cavs in scoring with a stellar 24.3 points per game. While Sexton will surely maintain that high level of scoring, I predict we will see Garland surpass his partner in the backcourt this year.

Playing alongside guys like Isaac Okoro and Evan Mobley will give Garland plenty of chances to work on his scoring. With the benefit of their skill sets (particularly as finishers/interior threats) and defensive prowess, Garland will be set to take off this year.

While Okoro’s rookie season was not the most overwhelming debut, he still make the NBA All-Rookie Second Team. If Okoro continues to build on his skill set, he can be a truly deadly defensive weapon for the Cavs. With his ability to switch on targets, this can definitely open up more windows for Garland to score.

Evan Mobley is another guy that can bring out a new level of scoring in Darius. Mobley is a big man with a guard-like handle.

During his time with the USC Trojans, he wasn’t really given the chance to put that on full display nearly enough, however, with this Cavaliers roster, we could definitely see that. Especially when it comes to Garland. With Mobley operating as a de facto secondary playmaker in the paint/at the elbows some, this will provide Garland with chances to capitalize on his shooting.

Garland has been designated as the Cavs number one option for the point guard position. With another new face in Ricky Rubio, joining the roster this year, Garland will have another veteran presence on the team to accelerate his game.

In his Media Day press conference, Garland spoke very highly of his new teammate. He specifically mentioned how Rubio pushed Devin Booker to become an All-Star-caliber player. Garland hopes that Rubio can bring out that same level of improvement for him.

With Rubio on the squad, Garland might get a chance at some time playing off-ball. Having Rubio as a facilitator would certainly provide Garland with the opportunity to hone in on his catch-and-shoot skills.

And on Tuesday, via Dammarell, Garland said he will be taking advantage of being Rubio as a “locker buddy.”

Garland was shooting at 45.1 percent from the field and 39.5 percent from three last year. By the end of the 2021-22 season, if this bold prediction were to play out, Garland will be shooting 46.0-plus percent overall and at least 40.0 percent from three, while averaging 25.0-plus points per game.

Garland’s scoring will improve this season, no question. However, if he wants to continue his trajectory to becoming an All-Star-caliber point guard, he must also focus on another crucial component in his skill set. This leads me to my next bold prediction for Garland, in relation to his playmaking.