5 Cavaliers players who will be much better next season

Darius Garland will be much better next season

Technically, Darius Garland averaged more points per game in his third season, making the All-Star Game; this past year, his fourth, he averaged fewer points, fewer assists and did not receive any awards. Yet there is no question that Garland grew as a player last year, and he is young enough and has a track record of growth that suggests he will be even better next season.

Garland went from running the show two years ago to being the co-star last season alongside Donovan Mitchell. Garland increased his 3-point shooting, decreased his turnovers and otherwise thrived in that No. 2 role. He became better at manipulating defense, his chemistry in the pick-and-roll with both Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley only increased, and his ability to make an impact both on-ball and off-ball showed why he is one of the best guards in the NBA.

Now Garland has an entire offseason to train knowing what it takes to play beside Mitchell. He also has playoff experience under his belt, and he showed in the first round against the New York Knicks that his brand of basketball works on the biggest stage. Now he just needs to carry that forward.

Mitchell was certainly the better player this season, and he will likely average more points than Garland next season. Don’t be surprised when Garland proves to the league that they are true co-stars and earns another All-Star berth next season; his star continues to be on the rise.