How Will The Collin Sexton And Darius Garland Pairing Work For The Cleveland Cavaliers?
When the Cleveland Cavaliers drafted Darius Garland, many wondered how things would work with Collin Sexton. The two ball-dominant guards aren’t the best of passers, rather heavy volume shooters. However, judging by the way head coach, John Beilein, will run his offense, that shouldn’t be an issue. Although, there are still some questions about the pairing.
If you’ve ever seen a University of Michigan basketball game, you know Beilein is a shoot-first coach. This is probably why the Cleveland Cavaliers opted to draft three shooters in 2019 with Garland, Kevin Porter Jr., and Dylan Windler. All three play predominately as guards. Garland, a PG, will likely see time as the team’s SG and PG. This is because of Sexton’s involvement in the offense.
It was a confusing pick to say the least. However, Cavs General Manager, Koby Altman, went best on the board by taking Garland. By doing so, the questions of how he’ll fit playing with Sexton come into play. As mentioned before, both are shoot-first guards. It can work, though, especially if one can take on more of a passing role.
Either Sexton or Garland will need to adopt a passing style of play. It’s not the game of either. Sexton, who played as the Cavs starting PG last year, only averaged 3 assists. Garland, who missed all but 5 games during his lone collegiate season, only averaged 2.6 at Vanderbilt. There’s work to be done for both.
Sexton played off the ball a lot near the end of the Cavs season in 2019. He definitely needs to have the ball in his hands to be most effective. That’s where he’s at his best scoring the ball. However, Garland is the better shooter of the two. He’ll probably be the one who moves through defenders looking to find his shot.
The comparison of Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum comes to mind for Garland and Sexton. The Portland TrailBlazers backcourt is one of the most deadly in the NBA. Both can handle the ball and shoot the three/jumper. That’s what Altman and Beilein envision this pairing being in the future. A scoring backcourt that can outmatch their opponents by taking and making a heavy volume of shots.
Sexton had numerous games last season where he took over. He’s got the ability to come through in the clutch. Garland, who again is regarded as the better shooter, will have his fair share of moments as well. It’s all about learning the strengths and weaknesses of each other. If anyone two players on the court need to have chemistry it’s these two.
Passing issues aside, this Garland/Sexton combo has the chance to be special for the Cleveland Cavaliers. We know Sexton is a scorer, and judging by the small sample size of Garland, he is too. If the two can work on their passing, this could be as lethal of a one-two backcourt punch the NBA has.
Image Source: Jason Miller/Getty Images
Daniel is a guru of baseball and basketball prospects. He’s a very experienced Amusement Park traveler as well. Follow him and his hot takes on Insta @dgentleman9288
