Way-too-early 2019 NBA Draft Big Board

ATLANTA, GA - MARCH 26: Zion Williamson of Spartanburg Day School attempts a dunk during the 2018 McDonald's All American Game POWERADE Jam Fest at Forbes Arena on March 26, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - MARCH 26: Zion Williamson of Spartanburg Day School attempts a dunk during the 2018 McDonald's All American Game POWERADE Jam Fest at Forbes Arena on March 26, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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BROOKLYN, NY – APRIL 08: Jordan Brand Classic Away Team guard Darius Garland (10) during the second half of the Jordan Brand Classic on April 8, 2018, at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
BROOKLYN, NY – APRIL 08: Jordan Brand Classic Away Team guard Darius Garland (10) during the second half of the Jordan Brand Classic on April 8, 2018, at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Garland is a quick-twitch athlete who projects as one of the most dynamic lead guards in the 2019 class. He’ll be joining a Vanderbilt team that should be fun to watch next season, giving them elite playmaking and scoring on the perimeter.

At 6-foot-3, Garland should thrive in the pick-and-roll. He’s already flashes solid vision at a passer, using his crafty handles to break down defenders before locating open teammates. He can also hit pull-up jumpers at all three levels, displaying fluid mechanics off the bounce.

He can also function off the ball to an extent, with his shooting mechanics translating well in spot-up scenarios. His quick trigger could make him a dangerous weapon coming around screens, although that’s something he’ll need to put in the time to develop.

Alongside his scoring and playmaking upside, Garland should be able to translate his athleticism into solid defense at the point of attack. His limited wingspan and lack of strength hurts, but he should defend his position well enough to contribute on both ends.