After the Cleveland Cavaliers drafted LeBron James in 2003, the Cavalier fan base started to realize how much players in the NBA at the time disliked the city of Cleveland. Whether it be because of the cold and snow in the winter, or the lack of a big-city feel, NBA players did not want to come play in Cleveland, at least to a large extent it seemed. Opponents hated coming to then-Quicken Loans Arena, but impending free agents it appeared hated it even more.
Finding a “Robin” to LeBron James’ “Batman” was incredibly difficult, and eventually played a major factor into his decision to leave to play in Miami with the Heat. Since the 2000’s and early 2010’s, Cleveland has actually found it’s identity as a city, and players from Myles Garrett of the Browns, and Jose Ramirez of the Guardians have chosen to stay in the city, instead of leaving for greener pastures. The same can be said about Cavalier first-time All-Star Darius Garland.
The third-year guard took a huge leap this now-past season, and is now one of the best young guards in the entire league. He averaged nearly 22 points per game this season, while also getting his teammates involved to the tune of nearly nine assists per game. When any player in a Cleveland organization finds success, it’s a bit worrisome considering most who do find success, often leave shortly after. However, I’m hoping that’s not the case with Garland, and it doesn’t seem he will.
Garland loves Cleveland, and the Cavs’ future.
Garland was on the cover of GQ earlier this month, and was asked about his time in Cleveland in an interview with staff writer Tyler R. Tynes. When Tynes told him he’s never heard anyone say they “love” Cleveland, Garland had a great response:
"“It’s a lot of food spots that’s pretty good. The summers here are crazy: get on a boat and go on the lake. It’s just…culture. It’s a big melting pot. Everyone gets along with everyone. A lot of people say it’s gloomy here all the time, but it’s gloomy in New York, too, right now.”"
The city has rebranded itself well over the past couple of years, renovating a lot of the waterfront downtown, and beefing up the Jack Casino. The city has branded itself for a younger generation, and it’s great to hear that Garland seems like he’s in for the long haul.
On top of loving the city, he loves the Cavalier organization and his teammates. This past year when Collin Sexton went down with an injury, Garland had to take hold of the reigns and become a leader, which is something he wasn’t necessarily ready to do. As a young player should, he reached out to a lot of the veterans on the team to see how he himself could be a better leader and teammate during a pressing time for a young NBA player (and Love is currently 33, as a side note):
"“It was difficult. I’m coming in as a 19 year old rookie. I’m trying to tell a 35, 36 year old like Kevin Love to come set this screen. Or, at the time, guys like Tristan Thompson to come set this screen. These guys have won championships here with one of the best players to ever play basketball. It was kind of difficult trying to learn everybody and different ways to be a leader with different guys. Some guys you can just yell at. Some guys you have to come up to them and tell ‘em in they ear where to be at. It’s all different situations, different ways I had to be that kind of leader.”"
If you can, make sure to check out the full article at the link above, as Garland opens up about his huge third year in the NBA.
Darius Garland was a great player in his third season with the Wine and Gold, and I thought he was somewhat overlooked for a couple of NBA awards this season. However, I assume he’s taking that in stride, as he has all season, and in fairness, Garland finished third in the voting for the NBA’s Most Improved Player award.
Now, the biggest offseason priority for the Cavs has to be looking towards the NBA Draft. There are a lot of prospects out there that would be great complementary players for this already good young team. But, the Cavs will go as Garland goes this upcoming season.
Though, it looks like he’s well-prepared to be the face of the franchise in Cleveland, and it’s understandable why the team is reportedly likely to give Garland a max extension.