NBA: Ranking the 20 best players under the age of 23

NBA Zion Williamson (Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports)
NBA Zion Williamson (Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports)
5 of 22
Darius Garland
Darius Garland (Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports)

18. Darius Garland, 21, Cleveland Cavaliers

Darius Garland is often the player in Cleveland that gets overlooked, but he’s been really good through the first two years in the NBA. In fact, he’s likely the player that the Cavs will elect to build around over Collin Sexton. And it actually wouldn’t be a terrible decision, either.

During his sophomore campaign, Garland averaged 17 points and six assists on 45 percent shooting from the field and 40 percent shooting from 3-point range. He has room to improve his playmaking but that could come with time.

Cleveland has a strong foundation and Garland happens to be a big part of this team’s future. If the Cavs are going to make a jump up the Eastern Conference standings, Garland is going to be a bit part of their success.