3 Cavs that earned untouchable status, 4 that should be cut loose

Cavs untouchable No. 3: Darius Garland

Darius Garland had an uneven series against the Knicks as well, which included a disastrous performance in Game 3 in Manhattan, when he went four-of-21 from the field and one-of-seven from three.

Having said that, Garland had a great Game 2, and his second half was outstanding in Game 4 to put the Cavaliers right back in that one.

In the past two seasons for the Cavs, Garland has established himself as one of the league’s best lead guards, and by and large, he’s the straw that stirs the drink for Cleveland offensively. Garland, in the same light as Mobley, is still so young as well, and as he gets more experience next year and beyond, he’ll only be better for it.

In his fourth season, Garland had 21.6 points, 7.8 assists and 1.2 steals per contest, and despite a rough span from deep to close the regular season, did still end that out hitting 41.0 percent of his three-point attempts.

With Garland’s continual strides made as a playmaker, multifaceted scorer and shooter, he’s such an invaluable player for this Wine and Gold team. And if the Cavaliers can add more shooting around Garland on the wing, he’ll be all the more dangerous as an offensive talent.

He has to be more consistent looking onward in the playoffs, but 23-year-olds of his ilk are difficult to come by, with his vision, handle, range, pick-and-roll play and shot creation versatility. He’s set to be locked up long term, and rightfully so.