Four years later, Tristan Thompson notes the dazzling progress of Darius Garland

Back in Cleveland for a month, Tristan Thompson was able to measure the “process” in Cavaliers style, three years after his departure. The one he welcomed as “his rookie” in 2019, Darius Garland, has notably become one of the leaders of the franchise. Above all, in its wake, the franchise went from 15th to 4th place in the East.

Today, the roles were almost reversed since it was the leader who welcomed the Canadian center as a pillar of the locker room, and therefore had to guide him a little and introduce him to many of his new teammates.

For Tristan Thompson, it is above all a satisfaction to see Darius Garland now evolving at this level, on and off the field.

“Oh, so I’m the rookie now?” Look, I gave DG what I had, and he did a great job taking the tips I gave him. This is called taking responsibility. That’s what you expect from a point guard, to be an extension of JB Bickerstaff on the field, and that’s what he did this year.” did he declare. “When you compare his rookie year as he heads into his fifth year, he’s just more comfortable with the game. Coming in as a rookie having played four games (five, actually) with Vanderbilt and so having grossly missed the entire NCAA season, to be thrown straight into the NBA and playing at that level is quite a jump. But he knows his spots, where he can score, where he is effective. I think this is the biggest progression in his game.”

Impressive progress

Four years after Darius Garland’s big debut in the NBA, Tristan Thompson is now back close to the action to observe the progress made. And they are clearly impressive, the leader having notably won his first star during the 2022 All-Star Game.

“He’s a much better player. He understands the rhythm of the game. And when I say much better player, I don’t mean it negatively. He was clearly already very good when he arrived. But now he’s really playing at another level, where he puts the team on his back. I am so happy with his progress”he added.

The exercise is also fun for Darius Garland, who is happy to have another experienced player to help him accomplish his task. For now, the leader has only been able to praise the good state of mind of the “new kid”, who is diligent and attentive.

“It’s a little weird, because he always sent me pictures of me when I was a rookie and he was my vet. Whereas now, I’m the one who’s going to be his, and it’s working out pretty well.”he confided. “In training, he was in the same team as me, and things are going well (…). TT has always been himself, he has always been very vocal, always wanting to talk to people and making you smile. He’s a good leader. Nothing has changed, really. I’m not worried about taking on this leadership role now. The roles have therefore been reversed a little. I try to teach him everything I can and he listens to me. This is a good thing “.

The Cavs’ first preseason test will take place this evening on the Atlanta floor.