The Cavaliers want Darius Garland to become more of a team leader as he enters his third NBA season, writes Kelsey Russo of The Athletic. Garland has emerged as a dynamic offensive player and appears to be part of the foundation for the rebuilding Cavs. He earned an invitation to the Select Team that scrimmaged the U.S. Olympic squad over the summer and appeared in exhibition games with Team USA.
Cleveland needs to find new leadership after parting with veterans Larry Nance Jr. and Matthew Dellavedova during the offseason. It’s a role that Garland is eager to take on.
“That’s my whole goal this year,” he said. “And then just try to make it as easy as I can for some of the young guys that we have, even though I’m still a young guy. But I’m going to my third year, so I’ve seen a lot, played a lot of games. Just try to do some of the little things that make everybody successful.”
There’s more from Cleveland:
- Collin Sexton was reportedly on the trade market this summer, but the Cavaliers weren’t able to find the type of return they wanted, Russo states in the same piece. Sexton will be eligible for a rookie scale extension through October 18, and although general manager Koby Altman refused to talk about negotiations, he said the team hopes to be able to work something out. “We want him here long-term,” Altman said. “And he wants to be here long-term. We’re certainly working with his representation to see that through. But this is someone that’s been with us since the start of this thing, in terms of where we’ve been the last three years. And we love him; we want him here long-term. We’ll deal with that sort of behind closed doors. But the feelings are mutual in terms of something long-term.”
- Kevin Love hasn’t talked to Altman or coach J.B. Bickerstaff about his role, but he’s expected to play fewer minutes per game, Russo adds. The team’s top priority for Love will be to keep him away from injuries after he missed 47 games last season.
- Denzel Valentine is eager for a new challenge after spending the past five years in Chicago, Russo tweets. The 27-year-old guard signed a two-year deal with the Cavs last week. “I believe in myself. I believe in my abilities,” he said. “It’s been up and down, but I feel like the best basketball is ahead of me. I’m finally getting healthy, finally coming into my own, getting my routines down and I think it’s only up from here.”
- The Cavaliers plan to be patient with rookie big man Evan Mobley, tweets Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com. “We will be cautious of too much, too soon, but I think his game is going to dictate what too much is,” Bickerstaff said. “We don’t want to put the weight of the world on his shoulders. We’re building this team and then talent always rises to the top.”
I wish the Knicks could provide as much interesting talent as the Cavs. I like the fact they made the playoffs this year but not sure if it’s sustainable or going to grow.
Julius Randle has really improved his game since he left the Lakers, he’s worth every penny of that extension they gave him. It’s hard to say what Kemba brings to the team, they could take a step back in 2022.
Yes. I’m not saying anything specifically about Randle or any other Knick but I’ve been a passionate fan of the Knicks since the 80s and while I was excited about their playoff appearance it doesn’t feel like they are building a sustainable team for the next 5-7 years. RJ, Quigley and Robinson are young, Randle is turning 27. They have a 4 to 5 year window but I think it’s going to be tough to win it all with Randle as your best player.
You kidding right. Talent for what ?? The lottery
Knicks are one of youngest teams. And the East 4th seed. And added Mitch, Kemba, Fournier and a good draft class.
Cavs have not even figured out their core yet. Considering they were trading Sexton. Which they should imo. Allen should also be moved.
You’re entitled to your opinion. I’ve never said the Cavs front office was smart and I think the handling of Sexton and his extension vs tripping over themselves to give Allen $100 is questionable. However their core of Sexton, Garland, Mobley, Okoro and Allen is intriguing. My opinion. The possibilities excite me. I want my Knicks to succeed. Just not completely satisfied with being middle of the pack.
Can’t wait to see Mobley this year, he is such an exciting player, just hope he plays mostly at the 5, as he should be the starting center in this team!