Cavs: 2 reasons they lead the league in assists thus far

Cavs: 2 reasons they lead the league in assists – Three great playmakers

Last season, as previously stated, Darius Garland was the only true difference-maker setting up his teammates. This year that has changed dramatically, as the number of top passers on this team has tripled to provide more consistent playmaking across the full 48 minutes of games.

Two major personnel additions from the offseason can help us track the improvement. Evan Mobley was drafted No. 3 overall as a big man who nonetheless demonstrates perimeter skills, and his ability to run the offense and find open teammates is one of those skills. He had a standout performance in the opener against the Memphis Grizzlies including six assists.

The more significant culprit for the improvement is Ricky Rubio, brought in via trade from the Minnesota Timberwolves to solidify a backup point guard position in flux. He has done that and more, starting in the second game against the Charlotte Hornets while Garland rested a sore ankle. He totaled 10 assists in the spot-start, one game after hitting that same number coming off the bench in the opener. Check out the patience Rubio displays as a veteran running a pick-and-roll with one of the league’s best finishers (and oh yeah, enjoy the YAM on Mason Plumlee’s head too):

Garland himself showed off his playmaking development in the one game he did play in, running the offense despite a poor shooting start and totaling 12 assists. He pushed frequently after Grizzlies misses and set up his big-men teammates in semi-transition, including five assists to Jarrett Allen and three to Evan Mobley. Between Garland and Rubio this team should have a gifted passer on the court at all times, and the development of Mobley as a passer from a big man position will unlock the offense to an even greater degree.