One of the most intriguing aspects of the Cleveland Cavaliers drafting Darius Garland the possibility of him starting in the backcourt with Collin Sexton.
However, a new report indicates that key members of the Cavaliers’ leadership are concerned about the collective defensive liabilities the players currently possess.
Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com answered the questions of fans, with the response below connected to a questioner’s concern about the Cavaliers’ defense when Garland, Sexton and Kevin Love are on the court:
“This is a fair concern. In a private moment, even Cavaliers deep-thinkers would tell you the pieces aren’t currently in place to help mask the defensive limitations of an undersized backcourt. It’s too early for that. That problem wasn’t going to be fixed (addressed) in an off-season where the team’s biggest additions came through the draft.”
Regarding the sizes of the two players, both are listed at 6-foot-2, with many other guards in the NBA standing taller. Love is 6-foot-10 and has always shown a knack for collecting rebounds, though his defense has often come into question.
The ultimate goal for a pairing of Garland and Sexton is to not only replicate the success of the Portland backcourt of Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum, but surpass it. That’s a scenario that certainly won’t take place overnight and may be a few years down the road.
Both Garland and Sexton were drafted among the first 10 selections of their respective drafts, a clear indication of the talent and potential they both possess. Their ability to up their defensive game is something that requires patience, which the rebuilding Cavaliers will need during the inevitable down stretches ahead.
