5. Darius Garland, Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers took the Eastern Conference by storm and a big reason why was the emergence of Darius Garland. Even after Collin Sexton went down with a season-ending injury, Garland stepped up in a big way – and then some.
Garland is coming off a season in which he averaged 22 points and nine assists on 46 percent shooting from the field and 38 percent shooting from 3-point range. And he’s still rising as a player. He helped change the narrative around the Cavs and had them competing for a playoff spot.
Garland is expected to take another step this upcoming season for the Cavs and if they can make the jump to playoff contender (or more) in the East, there’s no question that Garland will end up being a much more household name.