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NBA Notes: Cavs, Darius Garland, Jazz, Ace Bailey, Pelicans

Originally posted on Hoops Wire | By Sam Amico | Last updated Aug 19, 2025 3:01 PM ET

Cavaliers

Cavaliers All-Star Darius Garland was recently ranked No. 12 on HoopsHype’s list of the NBA’s top 26 point guards, ahead of the Nuggets’ Jamal Murray but behind the Celtics’ Derrick White, 76ers’ Tyrese Maxey and Spurs’ De’Aaron Fox.

For most NBA observers, that probably feels a little low.

“A Top 6 finisher in Clutch Player of the Year voting last season, as well as an All-Star, Darius Garland was a vital piece on what was an excellent Cleveland Cavaliers team in ‘25, one that went 64-18 in the regular season,” wrote HoopsHype’s Frank Urbina.

“Cleveland did go on to disappoint in the playoffs, and Garland played a part in that, too, seeing his numbers dip to 18.0 points on 42.0 percent shooting from the floor, 28.6 percent from three, so that’s why we don’t have the 25-year-old ranked higher on this list.

“The fact that Garland is reportedly expected to miss time early next season also doesn’t help his 2025-26 outlook, although we do expect him to return to his borderline All-Star form once he’s back to full health, thanks to his crafty scoring and playmaking.”

Garland is expected to miss the start of the season after undergoing offseason surgery on his big toe — an injury that clearly hampered him in the second-round loss against the Pacers.

NBA trade proposal sends Cavaliers' Dean Wade to Mavericks https://t.co/GSA4Pneiyl

— Hoops Wire (@WireHoops) August 18, 2025

Jazz

Jazz coach Will Hardy said his plan for rookie forward Ace Bailey is to keep things simple and focus on building consistency. Hardy added that developing a routin e will be a priority for Bailey during his first NBA season.

“For Ace, first and foremost, it’s going to be about building a routine,” Hardy said, via Andy Laresen of the Salt Lake Tribune. “The NBA is a lot. The number of appearances is far more than he used to. That’s practice, shootaround, games, but it’s going to be about sort of him finding his routine, because I think the routine saves you during the season. You don’t have to think that much.”

Bailey, 6-foot-7, was limited to two Summer League games due to a hip flexor injury, but Hardy said he liked the energy he saw in those minutes.

“On the court, offensively, it’s going to be a little bit of playing without the ball, moving around. I think Ace showed he was really active in summer league. He’s a good cutter. He can play in off-ball screens,” Hardy said. “And then defensively, while his body is continuing to get stronger, it’s going to be about using his length, because I think that is a real strength of his right now. I thin k that’s how he can survive on the defensive end right now.”

Bailey was the Jazz’s top pick in June and is expected to see developmental minutes as Utah continues to rebuild around a young core.

Pelicans

In case you missed it, free agent forward Jalen McDaniels has agreed to a deal with the Pelicans, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.

The Pelicans have one open standard roster spot and sit about $4.2 million below the luxury tax threshold. McDaniels, 26, is expected to compete for minutes in a crowded frontcourt.

McDaniels played four NBA games with the Wizards last season and spent much of the year in the G League. In 38 appearances with the Capital City Go-Go, he averaged 13.5 points and 7.2 rebounds.

The 6-foot-9 forward is entering his seventh NBA season. He previously played for the Hornets, 76ers and Raptors, carving out a role as an athletic defender and rebounder who can also stretch the floor.

This article first appeared on Hoops Wire and was syndicated with permission.

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