The Cleveland Cavaliers were not only the Western Conference toppers last season, they were also expected to make a historically significant playoff run. However, the campaign derailed after they suffered multiple crucial injuries, most prominently that of Darius Garland.
Garland had initially suffered a left toe injury during the regular season against the Utah Jazz which was reaggravated against the Miami Heat. As a result, he underwent surgery in June and is now expected to miss the start of the upcoming season.
And according to Kenny Atkinson, there is no rush when it comes to the rehabilitation. Speaking to Wine and Gold Talk podcast’s Chris Fedor, the Cavs head coach revealed that he does not expect Garland to start the season, per HoopsHype.
“And he said, “No, I don’t decide these things. It’s going to be up to Darius and the training staff led by Steve Spiro.” But he said, “I don’t expect him to, and I want him to take his time with this, and we’re not going to push it. We’re not going to rush it,” Fedor revealed.
Garland averaged 20.6 points, 6.7 assists and 2.7 rebounds per game last season, earning what was his first All-Star call-up since 2022, and second overall. However, the Cavs are firmly one of the top contenders for the top spots in the West for the new season as well, and there is no pressing reason for Garland to force a return.
Garland had stated previously that it had felt as if he only had “nine toes” at the end of the season, and any type of movement was tough. This included even putting on shoes, let alone walking and running.
“I got my 10th toe back,” he had since stated. Garland remains an integral part of the team and the Cavs’ second primary scorer after Donovan Mitchell. While a title push was not possible last campaign, the Cavs have every reason to expect big things for the upcoming season as well.
