Cavs News: Darius Garland the best ever, Rubio on track, All-Star Allen

Darius Garland has had one of the best starts to a career in Cleveland Cavaliers franchise history. He made an All-Star game in just his third season and has taken yet another step forward this year. Here at King James Gospel, Corey Casey makes the case that when all is said and done, Garland will go down as the best guard in Cavs history.

He digs into Garland’s play thus far and then breaks down each of the other three candidates: Mark Price, Kyrie Irving and Garland’s current backcourt partner, Donovan Mitchell. He makes a compelling case, but he also gives plenty of information for you to come to your own conclusion. Will DG be the best ever?

More Cavs news

On Thursday afternoon word came down that Ricky Rubio has been given the “green light” to participate in 5 on 5 basketball activities, per Cleveland.com’s Chris Fedor. The team is not in a rush to bring him back as they play the long game, but he is right on track.

Spencer Davies of basketballnews.com stirred the drink with a hot take about the Cavaliers: Jarrett Allen, not Garland or Mitchell or Evan Mobley, is the Cavs’ most important player. He praises Allen’s vertical spacing on offense and rim protection on defense, including a number of quotes from Allen and his teammates that build out the elite impact he has for the team. It’s an excellent read.

NBA news

Jamal Murray has been walking a tough road, an explosive guard seeking to get his mojo back after a long recovery from a torn ACL. Last night he finally notched that highlight moment he has built his career on, nailing a game-winner to lift the Denver Nuggets over the Portland Trail Blazers 121-120.

If Murray’s shot was the joy at the end of the day, news of Brittany Griner’s release from prison was at the start. After 10 months in Russian custody the U.S. government made a prisoner exchange to bring her home. Setting aside the “trade grades” of the deal the Biden administration made, it’s a happy day for Griner and her friends and family.

Coming up: The Cavs take on the Sacramento Kings tonight, with two of the best backcourt rotations in the league facing off.