2019 NBA Mock Draft: The Boston Celtics clean up
PG. Vanderbilt. Darius Garland. 11. player. 69.
Garland made headlines this weekend even as he sits on the sideline rehabbing a torn meniscus in his left knee. The freshman sensation from Vanderbilt who earlier this year left school to prepare for the draft, officially signed with Klutch Sports, the agency led by Rich Paul which has dominated the NBA the past few weeks with how it has handled Anthony Davis’ trade demand and the fallout thereafter.
Welcome Darius Garland to our 2019 Draft Class! @dariusgarland22
— Klutch Sports Group (@KlutchSports) February 14, 2019
Perhaps not coincidentally, Garland joins his draft classmate Darius Bazley as prospects who signed with Klutch after deciding to leave (or, in Bazley’s case, skip) college to further their professional opportunities. Bazley is interning with New Balance as a result of what Paul called a “broken system” that deincentivizes amateur players from attending college. No such groundbreaking opportunities have come Garland’s way as his knee heals but joining the lineage of empowered players who have flocked to Paul to pave their way in the new NBA is noteworthy.
Three generations of Klutch clients posed at All-Star weekend to celebrate their partnership with Paul, the man some would tell you is taking over the league.
https://twitter.com/cashville_etc/status/1097199095326724097
James, Davis, Bazley, Garland, Ben Simmons and Miles Bridges represent an incredible group of players clearly forging a relationship with one another. It’s great company for Garland to be in as he makes his way into the league coming off a lost college season and a tough injury. Ironically, it could be New Orleans who takes a chance on Garland’s prolific talent as they reset post-Davis.