Everyone Move Aside! He Became the Leader in His Second Year, Even Pushing a 24-Year-Old Prodigy to the Trade Block

When LeBron James entered the NBA in 2003, then-Cleveland Cavaliers star Ricky Davis confidently believed that the rookie phenom was brought in to support him. Indeed, Davis's previous season stats were impressive, averaging 20.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game—a stat line that would qualify him as the star player on almost any team in an era before statistics became as inflated as they are today. However, this was LeBron James, a once-in-a-generation talent. Davis's stint as the Cavs' leader lasted a mere two months before he was traded to the Boston Celtics, a move that crushed his confidence and saw his performance decline until he eventually faded out of the league.

Now, two decades later, a similar scenario is unfolding in Cleveland. After a disappointing rookie season, Darius Garland finally broke out in his third year. With Collin Sexton sidelined by injury, Garland stepped up and delivered a stellar performance, averaging 21.7 points, 3.3 rebounds, 8.6 assists, and 1.3 steals per game, with shooting splits of 46.2% from the field and 38.3% from three-point range. His efforts earned him his first All-Star selection and helped lead the Cavaliers to a 44-38 record. As the team placed Sexton on the trading block, Garland naturally became Cleveland's new star.

The Cavaliers made a significant trade, sending Sexton, Lauri Markkanen, Ochai Agbaji, and three first-round picks to the Utah Jazz in exchange for Donovan Mitchell. Despite this bold move, many analysts believed that the team's core strategy, centered around Garland, would remain unchanged. In other words, most people thought Mitchell was coming to support Garland. However, the results have told a different story.

In their first season together, Garland still managed to maintain some semblance of leadership. Although his scoring wasn't on par with Mitchell's, his offensive efficiency was impressive, particularly from beyond the arc, where he shot over 40%. Additionally, Garland averaged 7.5 assists per game, acting as the team's central playmaker. When he was on the court, the Cavaliers' offensive rating increased by 6.4 points per 100 possessions. However, starting from the 2023 playoffs, it became increasingly clear that Garland might have already reached his ceiling and lacked the ability to elevate the Cavaliers further.

In the first round of the playoffs, the Cavaliers were swiftly eliminated by the New York Knicks in a 4-1 series. Garland's performance was subpar and at times detrimental. Despite averaging 20 points per game, he struggled as the primary ball-handler, averaging only 5 assists with 3.6 turnovers per game. Moreover, when he was on the court, the team's effective field goal percentage decreased by 0.1%. His defense was also a liability, frequently being outmatched by players like Immanuel Quickley and Jalen Brunson.

The trend continued this year. If it weren't for Mitchell's outstanding performances, the Cavaliers might have faced another early exit. Over two playoff series, Garland averaged 18 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game, with shooting splits of 44.6% from the field and 37.1% from three-point range. While these numbers are respectable for a starting point guard, Garland is more than that. He is the tactical focal point of the Cavaliers and an All-Star guard with a five-year, $195 million contract extension. He has the responsibility to lead the team further and must be held accountable for their shortcomings.

After evaluating Garland over the past two years, the Cavaliers have decided to place him on the trade block. On the other side, Mitchell is approaching a contract extension period. Although he hasn't threatened the Cavaliers with a trade demand, Mitchell has expressed a strong desire to contend for a championship. If the Cavaliers don't take decisive action to show Mitchell their commitment to winning, he might be reluctant to re-sign with the team. While Mitchell may not be on the same level as superstars like Kawhi Leonard or Kevin Durant, he is still the best option for the Cavaliers among their current roster and available free agents.

Mitchell's impact on the team is evident. He has the ability to score in bursts and has steadily improved his defense. This season, when Mitchell was on the court, the Cavaliers outscored their opponents by 7.2 points per 100 possessions. Conversely, when he was off the court, they were outscored by 1.9 points per 100 possessions. In the playoffs, Mitchell not only showcased his scoring prowess but also changed perceptions of his defensive capabilities. When he was on the floor, the Cavaliers allowed 11.6 fewer points per 100 possessions on defense.

According to reports from American media, the Cavaliers have already placed Garland on the trade block. It's unfortunate, as Garland is being pushed aside after just two years as the team’s star. However, considering the current situation, a change of scenery might actually be beneficial for Garland’s career.

Garland’s journey in Cleveland has been one of significant growth and potential. After a rocky start to his NBA career, he worked hard to establish himself as a key player for the Cavaliers. His breakout season was a testament to his dedication and talent. He quickly became a fan favorite, known for his sharpshooting and playmaking abilities. But as the dynamics of the team evolved, it became clear that the Cavaliers needed more than what Garland could offer as their primary star.

Mitchell’s arrival in Cleveland was initially seen as a strategic move to bolster the roster and provide additional firepower. However, it soon became apparent that Mitchell brought more to the table than just scoring. His leadership, defensive improvements, and ability to perform in clutch situations highlighted his value to the team. The Cavaliers' management likely recognized that in order to maximize their chances of success, they needed to make Mitchell the focal point of their strategy.

For Garland, the possibility of being traded might seem like a setback, but it could also be an opportunity for a fresh start. A new team could provide him with a different role, one that better suits his strengths and allows him to continue developing as a player. At just 24 years old, Garland has a long career ahead of him and plenty of time to refine his game and achieve his full potential.

As for the Cavaliers, their decision to place Garland on the trade block signals a shift in their approach. They are clearly committed to building a team around Mitchell, one that can compete at the highest level. This move also reflects the realities of the NBA, where teams must constantly adapt and make difficult decisions to remain competitive.

The next few months will be crucial for the Cavaliers as they navigate the trade market and make strategic decisions about their roster. They will need to find a suitable trade partner for Garland, one that offers valuable assets in return. This process will require careful consideration and negotiation, as the Cavaliers aim to strengthen their team and position themselves as contenders in the league.

In conclusion, the situation in Cleveland is reminiscent of past NBA narratives where established stars make way for new talents. Garland’s potential trade represents a significant turning point for the Cavaliers, one that could reshape their future. While it’s a challenging moment for Garland, it’s also an opportunity for growth and new beginnings. For the Cavaliers, it’s a bold step towards building a championship-caliber team, with Mitchell at the helm. The upcoming season promises to be an exciting one, full of possibilities and new dynamics as the Cavaliers pursue their ultimate goal of NBA glory.