OKC Thunder prospect series: Examining Darius Garland’s complicated season

Offensive versatility

The interesting thing about Garland is that even if he can’t quite be a lead guard like Lillard, he has a wide enough skill set to be a strong number two. He didn’t do it a whole lot in his five games at Vanderbilt, but judging by the quickness with which he can shoot and the speed with which he can get his feet set, it’s easy to see him coming off screens and immediately putting pressure on the defense at the next level.

His ridiculously quick release and almost complete lack of hesitation already make him a dangerous shooter off-the-ball. And when you add in the fact that because he was more of a spot-up guy earlier in his career, he knows how to move without the ball and get his feet set in a hurry, you’re left with a fantastic second fiddle whose ability to make plays off screens and pull up from anywhere could make a real impact from day one.

Even if his shooting doesn’t translate all the way, he’s a creative enough playmaker that he could still find ways to attack defenses without always having the ball in his hands. It’s easy to see his ever-improving footwork and quick first step opening up tons of space coming off curls. As long as he hits three’s at a respectable rate – which his mechanics and free-throw percentage say he will – he’s going to be able to exploit defenses off the ball. He could blow by close-outs without breaking a sweat and find open shooters after the defense collapses:

By being such a versatile player, he not only gives himself more avenues to contribute on a nightly basis, but he also can fit in with whatever team drafts him.