There is steep competition for Darius Garland to make the All-Star Game next season. The Cleveland Cavaliers can reasonably expect to have three All-Stars once again, with Garland joining Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley. Yet it's certainly no guarantee with so many talented guards in the Eastern Conference vying for limited All-Star berths.
Yet the idea floated by NBA Insider Jake Fischer is a slap to the face of Garland and his level of play from last season. One of the most plugged-in reporters covering the league, Fischer shared the idea - whether his or coming from NBA executives - that Payton Pritchard of the Boston Celtics could have an All-Star season as he steps up in the absence of Jayson Tatum and Jrue Holiday.