Darius Garland Quiz: Fan or Faker? Only Buckets Know Truth

Darius Garland was drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2019 NBA Draft. Though he played only five college games due to injury, the Cavs believed in his talent and potential as a high-IQ guard with elite shooting. He was a key pick in their post-LeBron rebuild, anchoring the backcourt alongside later additions like Donovan Mitchell.

Garland played college basketball at Vanderbilt University, though his season was cut short by a meniscus injury. Still, his flashes of elite ball-handling and shot creation had scouts convinced he was a lottery-level prospect. Vanderbilt hasn’t produced many NBA stars, making Garland’s rise even more impressive.

Garland was selected 5th overall in the 2019 NBA Draft. His draft stock stayed high despite limited college play, mainly due to his standout high school career and pro-level skill set. The Cavs took a calculated risk that has since paid off as Garland blossomed into an All-Star guard.

Garland’s natural position is point guard. He’s a floor general known for elite handles, smart passing, and smooth scoring. While capable of off-ball movement, his playmaking responsibilities in Cleveland have grown year after year, especially since becoming the engine of the team’s half-court offense.

Darius Garland has often drawn comparisons to Chris Paul due to his craftiness, poise, and ability to orchestrate plays under pressure. Both are undersized point guards who rely more on vision and IQ than pure athleticism. Like Paul, Garland controls tempo and often makes the game easier for teammates.

Garland made his first NBA All-Star appearance in 2022, marking his breakout season. That year, he averaged over 21 points and 8 assists per game while leading Cleveland into playoff contention. His selection was seen as a milestone for the Cavs’ young core and recognition of his leadership growth.

Garland wears jersey number 10 for the Cavaliers. The number has become synonymous with his identity in Cleveland, where he’s embraced his role as franchise point guard. Many great NBA point guards, like Tim Hardaway and Walt Frazier, also wore #10, a number often linked to smart playmaking.

Garland’s standout skill is passing and court vision. He consistently ranks among league leaders in assists and is known for threading the needle in tight defenses. His reads in pick-and-roll situations are elite, often making him the offense's brain on the floor. He also balances passing with timely scoring.

Garland was born in Indianapolis, Indiana—a city known for basketball heritage. He attended Brentwood Academy in Tennessee for high school but always carried Midwestern basketball values with him. His upbringing in a hoops-centric region gave him early exposure to high-level competition, fueling his journey to the NBA.

Darius Garland has frequently cited Kyrie Irving as a player he admired growing up—especially during Kyrie’s early days in Cleveland. Both have slick handles, smooth finishes around the rim, and the ability to create space against taller defenders. Watching Irving clearly influenced Garland’s creative offensive style.