This past NBA trade deadline was a late bloomer. Many last-minute moves took place with short notice, ahead of the February 5th deadline.<\/p>\n
The James Harden<\/a> trade to the Cleveland Cavaliers was one such move. However, it was also one that left many confused. Darius Garland<\/a> is one of the NBA\u2019s best young guards, a homegrown talent in Cleveland, whose performance was hindered due to recent injuries. Harden, on the other hand, is a seasoned veteran at the tail end of his prime. Many fans had their qualms about Harden\u2019s questionable defense<\/a> and his ability to fit in with the offensively established Cavs roster. However, ever since joining the team, Cleveland is 5-1 thus far with Harden, losing only to the Oklahoma City Thunder.\u00a0<\/p>\n On the other hand, Garland is looking at the bright side of a fresh start with a new franchise.<\/p>\n Darius Garland Is Looking at the Bright Side Post-Trade Garland told Andscape\u2019s Marc Spears<\/a> he was \u201ckind of skeptical\u201d about the whole trade. However, he knew that playing with another Hall of Fame player, Kawhi Leonard<\/a>, was an opportunity he couldn\u2019t turn down.<\/p>\n Garland will likely have a bigger offensive role with the Los Angeles Clippers compared to what he had with the Cavs. And indeed, he will have a massive hole to fill. Before being traded, Harden was the Clippers\u2019 primary scorer when Leonard was off the floor.<\/p>\n The Clippers\u2019 depth at the center position is shallow at best. The Inglewood-based team only has two listed centers<\/a>. One is an aging Brook Lopez<\/a>, playing 30 minutes a night. The other is rookie center Yanic Konan Niederhauser<\/a>, showing a lot of promise as an athletic big man who can protect the rim. Other players who could play the five include John Collins<\/a>, recently injured in a game against the Los Angeles Lakers. Reserve forward Isaiah Jackson<\/a> has only played nine total minutes for the Clippers since being traded.<\/p>\n This lack of depth may potentially affect Garland\u2019s pick-and-roll-heavy style of play once he returns from his toe injury.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m super excited about L.A. life\u201d<\/p>\n Garland said he is fairly accustomed to Los Angeles. His agent, Rich Paul<\/a>, and agency, Klutch Sports, are based there, which has led him to spend significant portions of his offseason in LA. Winston Garland<\/a>, Darius\u2019s father, is a former Clipper, playing for the team from 1989 to 1991.<\/p>\n \u201cI already know the layout of the land. I\u2019ve been here for a couple years in the summertime. So, I\u2019m pretty used to seeing a lot of faces, and I\u2019ve connected with a couple people. I\u2019m excited being in a big market. And just being in L.A. playing for the Clippers is one thing. So, I\u2019m super excited for it.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cNo hard feelings\u201d<\/p>\n