There's a little Steve Nash in the exciting Darius Garland

[@pinkrabbits2977]

Man, he is just so good. Was super high on him coming out of Vanderbilt even with the meniscus injury he had. A complete natural with the ball. Makes the game look fun. This young Cleveland team is great to watch

[@dusk6159]

Cleveland has something special with this type of Nash-like PG in decisions and offense, together eoth Allen and Mobley. They are a blessing for each other. What a conglomerate.

[@MoonstruckOnMovies]

Growing up I was always a huge Nash fan. It is an exciting time to be a Cavs fan

[@Krzykid3432]

I hope him and Jarrett Allen both make the all stars this year, would be amazing to see.

[@moffo2626]

I remember listening to a podcast of people redrafting Garland’s draft, they had him falling out of the first round. I was like okay these guys are idiots

[@devinturner1968]

@@MoonstruckOnMovies I don’t think I know anyone else who was a Nash/Suns fan as a kid but is a Cavs fan now. Love to see it

[@DeemDaDream91]

Garland is special. Something that we take for granted is his ability to function as a guard with offense that plays 3 bigs. A lot of his decision making isn’t highlighted in the stats. Making that pass to mismatch in the post or the pass to the high post to let a big do a high lo. Those are things that take great recognition. His numbers aren’t going to be ass gaudy as those point guards who play on teams that run the 4 out with 2 guards 2 wings and a center or some similar variation, but his ability to function with those players creates an environment that allows Mark, Mobley, and Allen to play at the same time which leads to the cavs having more versatility on defense

[@sed1589]

Yeah he just has a lot of awareness and trust in his teammates. the guy is a natural champion lead guard.

[@alexandershabazzi8890]

I can see him having a 50-40-90 season!

[@ryandick9649]

You are right about his value on a team with three big men. Not every guard can make the sort of conclusive decisions Garland seems to arrive at consistently. If he continues to improve and progress, he could be a Celtics-era Tiny Archibald-quality court general in a year or two.

[@sammyttheg412]

Great analysis thanks very much from a cavs fan

[@mariomm9080]

He is a player with low iq like Russ

[@DreamHoopz]

What Cleveland has built over the years is special too watch

[@bmebuzz8718]

In the beginning of the season when he said they were determined to make the playoffs i was really excited cause i loved the energy, hopefully no more injuries🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@dearmas9068]

I especially love it because all the stans were clowning us hard for the decisions Koby Altman was making. Only Cavs fans saw the path.

[@futurehofer1564]

@@dearmas9068 I dont think you know what stans mean

[@dearmas9068]

@@futurehofer1564 youre right. I misused that term.

[@kylejeboss1469]

Mobley is a winning player and along with garland and Allen they are a legit playoff team rn

[@michaeljoyner3651]

Played against him back in high school. Dropped 43 and 15 assists on us without breaking a sweat. To this day he is the best, most naturally gifted player I've ever lined up against.

[@PaulSu24]

Did you play in centennial?

[@scaled-daddy22]

Cap

[@dootjai]

Question though: Ben has covered quite a few short point guards in different videos like Morant, Mitchell etc., and most of them have mediocre defence at best. So what makes Chris Paul such a good defender back in his prime? (obviously he's dropped off now)

[@atonshabazz-bey911]

If I were to make a quick informed guess, CP3 is strong and smart. And he understands angles better than most people in the history of the league, on offense and defense. The same ability he has to use angles to pick people apart in the midrange is what he uses on defense to cut off drives, make people uncomfortable, and get scorers away from their favorite spots on the floor

[@ottofabius]

Aton Shabazz-Bey is definitely right, put strength is by far the most important IMO. Same reason tucker can guard the 4 (and 5) at his height, CP3 can guard 1 and 2 effectively

[@RescueNW]

Piggybacking off both of these, look at Muggsy. He was really strong for his size and he knew how to get steals. He had a solid 10+ year career and a respectable defender for his size.

[@johnpauljonesisabadass8134]

Cp3 is that one fly you can't get rid of and keeps on pestering you. Just annoying sticky pest defender

[@nittypablo]

Tbh Chris Paul is a once in a generation defender for his size. Prolly the only true lockdown 6 footer, I remember him guardin KD in the playoffs in his clipper days and gave him real issues. But what made cp special was he took pride in being a defensive captain like draymond green. He studies film to know teams sets and tendencies and knows his own team defense inside and out.

[@Deondre_Clark]

Is player development in general improving? Are players working harder? It seems like there are SO MANY guys leveling up at the same time. It also seems like more vets continue to add skills to their game as opposed to just plateauing.

[@superfred]

yeah it is crazy how much talent there is around the league, you love to see it

[@dearmas9068]

Expansion coming soon

[@paulwhite4804]

I think that the level of coaching is just better these days

[@niceasf7038]

@@paulwhite4804 it’s more of the players getting better but it’s coaching too

[@futurehofer1564]

basketball players are more talented than ever and this will always be the trend, in 2050 players will be even better, thats like the normal evolution of things

[@YourBudTevin]

I’ve seen all your videos at least twice I need more content!!!! Jokes aside, this is the best in depth stuff anywhere. Tv, KZbin, etc. you’re the best at what you do already. Please continue

[@ethangilworth7891]

Read his book

[@TerraRider82]

A friend of mine mentioned this channel to me and now I'm hooked. This guy deserves his own show on ESPN. How's he still at 300k subs bruh?!?!?!

[@Nino12x]

One of my fav players to watch, so silky good

[@camctrail]

I'm really liking these little player analysis videos, and I'd love to see one done for Fred VanVleet. The guy has taken Kyle Lowry's torch and run with it this season, and he's playing himself into All NBA contention Or Tyrese Haliburton, the prototype of a pure PG that the NBA seems to be lacking in recent years. I said he'd be the steal of his draft class before the draft happened and so far I think I'm being proven right ;)

[@nick-ky7ql]

Great idea

[@bradleynelson8754]

FVV has found this great off ball role. His still a point guard but pretty close to a 2, that just works tho bcoz how siakam OG Trent and Barnes r all ball handlers and Fred was more of a 2. He’s been great recently and props to Nurse for finding these roles and understanding his players, hope he keeps working on the small ball lineup

[@tonyschimmoeller]

Freddie has been nice but he has nearly no shot at all nba. Cp3, Steph, Lavine, DeRozan, and Trae are all essentially locks. Derozan doesn't play guard but for some reason they have him as a guard in the all star voting so I'm guessing he'd be there for all nba. But even without him there's Mitchell, Ja, and Dbook who are way ahead of him.

[@bradleynelson8754]

@@tonyschimmoeller well CP3 Steph Mitchell ja and DBook r in the west so don’t affect him. But Yh bcoz DDR is a bird it’ll be trae and demar but it should be Fred I think

[@elochukwumbah852]

@@bradleynelson8754 That is for all stars but the guy was talking of all NBA which conference doesn't matter.

[@bmebuzz8718]

First heard of Darius Garland since Dime Drop vid before he was drafted, been a big fan since. Amazing video as always from Thinking Basketball

[@SuperDamon95]

Man it's cool to see Garland getting some legitimate recognition finally, been telling my friends all year to watch out for him. Wanted the Bulls to get him badly when he was drafted. Cleveland has a deadly all-star combo between he & Mobley for years to come.

[@gavinkonowalec4910]

Don’t forget about big JA too, potential all star THIS year

[@SuperDamon95]

@@gavinkonowalec4910 absolutely, I think Cleveland deserves both Garland & Allen in the all-star game but realistically they’ll get one if any and I think Garland has been a larger driving force for them.

[@michaelbarnes2617]

They slick might have themselves a potential home grown Big 3 if those kids continue to develop and Cleveland doesn’t screw it up

[@gavinkonowalec4910]

@@SuperDamon95 big facts, Mobley will obvs end up better than allen and you right about the all star nod going to dg over allen.

[@myleslondon5220]

@@SuperDamon95 what’s gonna happen with sexton though

[@clawxxchris]

The pump fake, give and go cut, into the lob pass is what dreams are made of. That is some 200IQ basketball right there.

[@ifheavenwashuman]

It’s incredible that yet another 6’2 Point Guard has changed the direction of a franchise at such a rapid pace. It’s unbelievable. I hope we as fans of the sport don’t get comfortable and expect that kind of stuff to be normal because it just isn’t.

[@seangadus7446]

I have seen Garland in person 3 times so far this year, and his development as a 21 year old has been pretty incredible. He is a solid 3 point shooter and a great passer. He loves getting Mobley and Allen some thunderous dunks. He is so much fun to watch. Go Cavs :)

[@derekwang6531]

Something about the way you breakdown players is both entertaining but informative. Hopefully Garland does put on some muscle and help this upstart Cavs team even more. Well done!

[@israelschuman6631]

My goodness that shot is gorgeous to watch

[@samlauffenburger6078]

He’s so good. Thanks for the analysis

[@brettfeinbaum]

The Steve Nash comparison is PERFECT!

[@jacobconnell7191]

He is definitely an All-Star this year, though I’m a tad biased😉

[@darkorlightz]

nah you're right. he's def an allstar this year.

[@sheeshjezz6176]

Aged well

[@JustGoodGames.]

Specifically love the breakdown of his floater action. He runs it like a college QB run pass option. It’s lethal and insanely fun to watch.

[@JustGoodGames.]

Love to know why you think Darius' lobs went away the second half of the season. Was it just health of the bigs, better scouted, etc?

[@henrybiggs3113]

You need players that knows how to finish Garland's passes... Like Tristan Thompson... LeBron was able to use him for his play style... Thompson didn't finish Garland's passes as well... He's not instinctive enough nor tall enough to overcome a Garland assist... Lauri is like Thompson with athleticism in different areas like him, if that makes sense... Both impact the game defensively & do what they do on offense just enough... Lauri isn't a scorer, but he can finish @ the rim & shoot the 3 & snag within reach rebounds... He's not a rebounder type like Thompson...💯💯💯

[@SportsU13]

Yeah I watched the Cavs Blazers game last night and he has good moves and can shoot outside and over bigs

[@t4d0W]

Garland's saving grace is definitely that ultra quick shooting stroke along with having the offensive playmaking instincts. So I like the Mark Price comparison. The kids def should look up the 'what could have been' Cavs squad with the core Daugherty and Price. Maybe that is something the Cavs group should sorta build towards the first few years and see how Mobley's offensive game shapes up.

[@TheTEN24]

This is so impressive stuff I never really knew him in college but now I see why he was drafted so high. He has a style of game that should continue to improve

[@timc1284]

Thanks for the video and the breakdown of Garland's game. I was thinking Mark Price was who Garland reminds me of, but I now believe his game is more like Steve Nash after watching this video. Garland had 18 assist the other day against OKC his understanding of the game is improving every day. I agree he needs to be better on the defensive side, but neither Price or Nash were great defenders. What I do like he does compete on the defensive end of the court. It is great for him that he has Mobley and Allen to cover up his mistakes on the defensive end. 🙂

[@austinblankenship7631]

Rubio has been my favorite player since he was a kid in Spain, so I was super upset about his injury given the season he was having. That being said, it will open up a really interesting opportunity to see what Garland is capable of with more minutes as the true 1 on the floor

[@j-us-t_be-in-g]

He's very fundamental in how he plays. I witnessed this while he was in high school.

[@gavinkonowalec4910]

Yesss Darius finally getting the recognition he deserves! Great video as well

[@D348-p1y]

I'm so glad the Cavs are gettin some love this year, they've drafted so well recently. Love that DG the PG made it to one of the best basketball channels there is.

[@Airestotle09]

Him and Dejounte Murray mixing old school wizardry with modern genius. Two of the best point guards in the league

[@coreyjohnson5346]

You're amazing with these break downs of players. I studied the game for a while now but you make me look like a preschoolers with this stuff. Breaking it down to a science. Keep up the amazing work.

[@josiahbaiza9725]

watching now and he's an Allstar great to see his growth and development

[@tuck6191]

Since watching this video I can’t get enough of Darius Garland. He is so obviously respected by his own team and he’s starting to get super star gravity from defenses. He makes me go “STOP IT” like no one else in the league right now.

[@omohellabandz7569]

Ja morant.. kyrie

[@hmohngcheelee7549]

Man Cleveland is going to be a scary team to deal with in the near future

[@jcw8719]

4th in the East right now

[@himmyhendrix845]

Have always thought he had a bright future watching this video just made me think how difficult it must be to play in this leauge especially for a guy of his size just even like reading defenses in split seconds such a intensely incomprehensible impressive level of skill to even be close to making it to the nba

[@loganadams369]

To think that their three best players are all 23 and under, playing like sub-All Stars on a legitimate playoff team headed by elite defense is insane.

[@michaelbarnes2617]

Just think Mobley could be their superstar, with Garland and the Fro top 10 in their positions potentially if not already

[@sammyttheg412]

@@michaelbarnes2617 def they already

[@MauricioBarragan]

The wolf on Wall Street meme was the perfect description to his crossover pull up jumper Lmfao that’s exactly how I feel watching some NBA moves haha.

[@cannebergeframboise]

Cavs are going to start taking over the East, as soon as next year. The Garland/Mobley/Allen core is such a strong foundation for a strong 2-way team. They just need an entire wing rotation!

[@Zee216]

They will also need a little dysfunction in Brooklyn but yeah the Cavs have a great future ahead of them

[@raizarslaxterhaha]

Osman is a great bench player, but they clearly need a starting SF, i think they would make a bet on Sexton. With Love there, Lauri is not needed. OR, they make Lauri come off the bench doing the Love role, and send love away, he is a big expiring contract so, i dont think it would be that hard.

[@unsolve9162]

@@Zee216 brooklyn has been dysfunctional since the big 3 teamed up lol

[@Zee216]

@@unsolve9162 just what the doctor ordered

[@thesportsfein]

dont forget about collin sexton

[@AlexHoops]

I also see some Chris Paul in him just in how his midrange game is developing. It’s not a huge part of his game yet but I could see him going to it more as he gets more comfortable.

[@bradleynelson8754]

He’s done a video on it as well, that the mid range in the playoffs is so important, when it comes to late in the 4th, defences r built to stop the highest percentage chances, that’s a 3 and a layup. Mid range is more open. CP3 DDR and KD r great in the midi

[@deandrepage1048]

Great trade for Darius Garland's development as a Catch & Shoot weapon to go along with his production off the dribble. If you have NBA Championship aspirations some day it's nice to have 2-time NBA Champion point guard Rondo who plays your same position.

[@b22clarke]

heard cam reddish was available

[@bradleynelson8754]

@@b22clarke Cam would be great to play the 2, long great defence and another scorer could also come off early to run the 2nd unit as a 3 with rondo

[@BabylonGateLA]

Has anyone else ever heard the comparison of Darius Garland and Earl “the Pearl” Monroe? Monroe is for me, one of the most mysterious NBA players since there’s not much out there about his play style since in the Bullets he didn’t win much, and in the Knicks he was kinda overshadowed by Frazier and Reed, but from what I heard and seen he was one of the best shifty guards of all time, and Garland is also a really shifty player!

[@BigBoyDanny123]

Amazing video on a fantastic player. Breakdown of his defensive weaknesses was phenomenal as well, but all in all it’s a joy to watch him

[@braukwood925]

This video was so needed🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼 something special is happening in Cleveland

[@Martialstony]

My second fav player Next to Mobley 🔥

[@rasaecnai]

That Minnesota fake even his teammate Markinen bite on it. Such a promising young player.

[@zage5495]

Cleveland really rebuilt the whole team in 3-4 years plus they’re all pretty young

[@yunan9610]

I really love rhat sidestep away from the rim to lob pass

[@dennisrossonero]

This is the best NBA channel on youtube.

[@trostrophias7633]

Take in this guy is just one of the Cavs young pieces… this team is gonna be a contender for years to come!

[@afzalchishti9092]

Talk about Fred van vleet next who has been key to all things raps! Side note, huge props to Cavs who really done a great job in picking well and playing a unique system with their bigs in an era of small ball.

[@mrbucky226]

Seems like this guy can get noticeably better by just putting on some muscle over a few offseasons. I'm excited to see where his career goes next, he's very interesting as a player. Great vid

[@imonangeltime4253]

I love how you pay homage to the old school "plumbers and carpenters" with the comparisons to today's highly skilled young ballers 👍

[@ninjamage5215]

A Dejounte Murray video would be really cool to see. Keep up the great content, it’s the best out there

[@nyrusthomas8467]

He should be a Allstar right now the way he is playing.

[@nyrusthomas8467]

I. Got to watch him working at the stadium during my break or before the game I said he is going to be special him and Jared Allen. My friend said we should keep Drummond I said why keep him we got this young buck the both of them. Not Colin either cause he is a ball hog.

[@OBM615]

Gahlee between "Thinking Basketball" & "Motivedia" KZbin is GOLDEN! By far the best basketball channel I follow... and I follow some goodunz!

[@RudieObias]

Remember when people thought he was a bust as his rookie season?

[@willfulton9276]

Trae, Luka, Ja, Garland, Lamelo, Haliburton, Cole Anthony, Maxey, Cade, Giddey. The last 4 drafts have produced some exciting young Point Guards!

[@inandoutoftheabyss9953]

Last 3 games (none of them overtime) 42 assists to 4 turnovers and icy cold blooded in the clutch. He picks apart defenses like Steve Nash all game, but when it is crunch time, his composure reminds me of Dwyane Wade.

[@НиязАнаньев-о7с]

Thanks really thanks,i agree this guy is ridiculously cool,he is a leader of the Cavs and deserve to be in All star game

[@jonathonlondon183]

His shot looks so beautiful in mid air

[@RulesFollower]

the mark price comp is perfect

[@six7bmb122]

Cavs are so fun to watch this year , there all having fun

[@AsbestosFilter]

Imagine next season garland, sexton, allen, mobley, and markanen While having rondo, love, and rubio on the side Thats gonna be a hell of a team

[@michaelbyrne9246]

Don't forget we'll still have Cedi and Okoro.

[@dusk6159]

Love returning to his past form was a gem this season

[@jackmayor3574]

Lamar Stevens is also proving he can provide valuable minutes too.

[@onlyonezay419]

DGGGGGG I’m so proud of you bro when we drafted you after Colin I didn’t see the fit and still don’t but I knew you was gone be nice man , glad Cleveland seen it too ! Keep progressing I think the world is still in front of my guy

[@lukenoose55]

Great Vid! Keep up the great work

[@dillonalexander9667]

Haven't paid enough attention to this man. Thanks for the catch-up

[@Ifraneljadida]

I'm a huge Cavs fan, watch every game, and this is by far the best Garland breakdown I've seen

[@teamsami123]

I’ve never thought I’d watch Cavs after LeBron left, I was never a fan to begin with but they were hard to watch even when Kyrie was the guy. This year Cavs team are fun to watch, Garland & their big lineup have been impressive.

[@allcap504]

I'm crying 😢 This is just so beautiful 😍

[@kaizerchief17]

Every Thinking Basketball video is so high quality it's crazy

[@maharajahdann]

Props for mentioning Mark Price, such a beast PG

[@andrewsummersgill6863]

To get myself hyped i would watch his high-school highlights before playing. Crazy to see how far he's come since then and how he's growing now.

[@CSDonohue11]

Dope to see Cavs being a Good Team, Young & Ballin. Def didn’t want to see them Die after The Chosen 1 left , again.

[@GustavoSilva-ny8jc]

7:50 This part is amazing, he knows the option exist but is not available right now.

[@Justlaxin13]

These videos are great. It might be too early in his development, but I’d love to see this treatment on Maxey.

[@michaelegiebor1207]

People don’t know how nice mark price was back in the day he had some modern day swag when he played imp

[@nofuture_at_all]

I'm a Wizards fan and I saw him and Allen destroyed us on that game. It's like an All-Star game, they just doing their thing with ease.

[@tamir9460]

That additional training and 1v1's in those during those lab summer training camps REALLY paid off for Garland. Loved watching the build up then. Love Watching the Follow through now.

[@fakedan6568]

That Wolves fake was beautiful. He got 4 defenders to fully commit to it.

[@inandoutoftheabyss9953]

I have been telling people he has a little bit of CP3 and a little bit of Curry, but who he is most similar to is Steve Nash. If Garland played in a system created for him and around him, with an eternal green light like Curry/Trae, he could easily average 28 and 10, if not better. What I like about him is his ability to take all these calculated risks, get in all the nooks and crannies of the defense, using either hand from anywhere, pick apart the opposition, but somehow not turn the ball over at a high rate. For example, he had 15 assists and 2 turnovers last night vs. the Jazz....the fact that he is still 21 is ridiculous.

[@coreygolphenee9633]

0:57 that was filthy

[@Pawel_Szczudlo]

I am learning of how to analyse players in football (soccer for US) and this analysis is an amazing example of how it should be done.

[@doublej7293]

Well deserved video!! Garland has been incredible, one of my favorite players to watch. Plays smart to there’s a lot to analyze

[@supachef_dmoney_4]

Thank you for showing Cleveland and Garland some love. He is the new Mark Price

[@duanelumpkin4400]

Garland has the potential to be another Lowery. This is a darn assessment though! Thanks!

[@Gotothelui]

I hope we see this Darius Garland again. I was so excited for him coming off of the 2022 Season

[@RomanShigapov]

Tnx for this video essay. Darius is really exiting player to watch.

[@dephy11]

Love the comparison to Steve Nash. Hope you can analyze the 3 starting bigs we play and Love

[@OhYessseong]

With Cavs triple towers all Garland needs to improve on is being more physical and smarter going over picks around the three point range. Garland can play up tight and force drives kind of like what the Warriors used to do with Curry. Curry has now become at least an average defender at this point in his career which makes the Warriors team defense that much better. I believe Garland can have a similar progression as Curry

[@Mr_Huskky]

There’s some CP3 in there with how Garland shoots from the midrange

[@AsbestosFilter]

i was watching lob city highlight and the more i look at it the more i see his similarities with CP3 based on his timely pass and lob pass

[@whatsitwhosit]

What a great, through breakdown you've done.... top level!

[@adamgeyer1033]

Love it Ben, would love a video on screen navigation

[@derptroll012]

Ohhhhhh my god i had to watch that Mark Price crossover 5 times. Ohhh my go he drops so low.. thats an Iverson move

[@anthonygazer9863]

I know we just got this video but as a cavs fan I would love to see a video on Mobley eventually, I loved him when we picked him and he has been fantastic thus far. (I love your content and player breakdowns.)

[@zerodarkthirty2396]

Been saying this for months, one of the more underrated players in the nba

[@modisamake5965]

I told him do video about Garland and he did yessir

[@mattatack2the25]

YES in desperate need of some Cavs material. They have been an fun surprise this season. Good to see them get some shine.

[@jacksonshuttleworth3120]

Patiently waiting for the Evan Mobley video

[@babygoat5221]

Been one of my favorite players as soon as he came into the league. Everyone was doubting him but I knew he would be special