Not a whole lot of people predicted that the Cleveland Cavaliers would be serious playoff contenders this year.
Yes, many fans thought they’d be better than they have been in years but they didn’t envision them becoming so consistent and so powerful, especially with their particularly young roster.
Yet, the Cavs are right now sixth seed in the East, which is actually a bit below where they were just a few weeks ago.
A huge part of their surge this season is due to Darius Garland.
The young point guard is one of the most important aspects of this Cavs lineup.
Darius Garland despite the loss:
29 PTS
16 ASTMost Improved? 👀 pic.twitter.com/LH66XWvWnn
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) March 22, 2022
The team fell to the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday night but that didn’t stop Garland from putting up 29 points and 16 assists.
This is leading some to wonder if he’s the odds-on favorite for the NBA Most Improved Player of the Year Award.
Does Garland have a real shot at that prize?
Hero Of The Cavs
Garland has played three seasons for the Cavaliers.
His career average is 17 points, 6.2 assists, and 2.5 rebounds.
However, this season he’s got an average of 21.4 points, 8.6 assists, and 3.3 rebounds.
As you can see, he’s been taking things to a whole other level this year.
That definitely sounds like a player who deserves the Most Improved Player Award.
However, he’s not the only one doing fantastic work for the Cavs.
Jarrett Allen, Lauri Markkanen, Kevin Love, and rookie Evan Mobley are just some of the fine players who have boosted this time into playoff contention.
Garland may have a case for Most Improved Player, but the entire team should be considered perhaps the most improved team this year.
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