He’s shooting 38 percent from the field in three games with the Cavaliers.
“It’s a couple shots that I’ve been taking in games that I usually make,” Garland said. “Just trying to knock some of the rust off – just trying to get my groove back.”
Garland only played five games for Vanderbilt during his freshman year last season before suffering a season-ending knee injury. After having almost an entire year off, he's just hoping to improve on a daily basis.
“Just keep growing as a basketball player,” Garland said about his goals. “Try to get wins and try to bring a culture back to Cleveland. That’s the main thing.”
The Cavs’ rookie hopes his shot falls on Wednesday night against Chicago. Garland will be matched up against fellow rookie Coby White, who the Bulls selected with the No. 7 pick, just two spots after Garland in June’s NBA Draft.
“Coby’s really aggressive,” Garland said. “I’ve been playing against Coby since eighth grade now. We have a good connection. We’re really cool with each other.”
Don’t expect the two youngsters to be friends during the game.
“We’re enemies now,” Garland said with a laugh. “After the game we’re going to be cool, but right now we’re going at each other.”
White scored 25 points in his debut for the Bulls and is averaging 13.8 points, 4.2 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game.