3 areas Cavs’ Darius Garland has shown growth this season

Growth Area No. 3: Team defense

Garland is going to have limitations on-ball defensively, that’s apparent at this juncture. He has to improve in that area long-term to help cut down dribble penetration from opponents, and to prevent Cleveland’s bigs from being in foul trouble.

On the plus side, though, Garland has shown continued growth from last season as it relates to his off-ball/team defense. He has limitations as an on-ball defender, as we alluded to. Garland’s frame doesn’t aid him there, and in instances defending bigger guards at times for stretches, he has issues.

But Garland’s team defensive instincts have gotten better, after making strides there last season, and that’s led to him again posting 1.3 steals per contest this year. His activity as a rotator has gotten better as the season has worn on, and while Garland has some room for improvement navigating off-ball screens, he’s been competing there, and his weak side feel has led to him making his share of takeaways.

Garland has demonstrated progression as a helper digging in driving lanes, and has been alert as a helper on post-ups as well, which has led to some poke-outs, and/or resulted in opponents making errant passes.

Also, despite Garland being only 6-foot-1, he has improved regarding him getting back into plays when hedging at times in pick-and-roll situations, which has prevented some skip feeds, or led to him being in sound position to defend catch-and-shoot threats.

Again, the 23-year-old Garland has a ways to go individually, and him adding some muscle and meaningful weight could aid him there. But as he’s gotten more experience, and with players such as Mobley, Allen, Isaac Okoro and Dean Wade around him throughout games, Garland’s team defensive feel has shown further improvement in Year 4.