Cavs Player Grades: Darius Garland earned top marks

The Cleveland Cavaliers broke out in a major way this season, doubling their point total from last season. Even though they missed the playoffs by the slimmest of margins, the future is bright in Cleveland in large part because of a rising star on their roster. Darius Garland had an excellent season for the Cavs and is poised for more.

A leap from Garland was not necessarily a surprise; he was a popular preseason pick for Most Improved Player, on account of his strong finish to last season and his time with Team USA this summer. Garland nearly got the final spot for the Gold Medal Olympic Team. The former Vanderbilt guard had plenty of momentum coming into the year.

Darius Garland had a breakout season in his third year. How should we grade the Cavs’ point guard for his 2021-22 NBA season?

That momentum was not a mirage, either. Garland took a major step forward this season, averaging career highs in games, minutes, 3-pointers, points, rebounds, assists and steals. He won Player of the Week in January, part of a strong winter push that saw him named to his first career All-Star Game.

It wasn’t all perfect for Garland, but it was absolutely positive. Let’s break it down a little further to evaluate how Garland played this season before giving him a final overall grade on his performance, growth and impact this season.