BREAKING: Cleveland Cavaliers’ star point guard Darius Garland is set to participate in limited basketball activities during training camp but will likely miss the first month of the upcoming NBA season due to a toe injury. Garland underwent surgery on his injured big toe in early June, impacting his performance during the playoffs.
The Cavaliers, who finished with the best record in the Eastern Conference last season, were eliminated by the Indiana Pacers in five games during the conference semifinals. Koby Altman, the Cavaliers’ president of basketball operations, confirmed that Garland has made significant progress in strength conditioning this offseason. “He focused on the things that we’ve been talking about for a long time, which is weight room strength. He looks good. He’s stronger, more stout and has a great attitude,” Altman stated.
As the Cavaliers gear up for the season, the challenge remains on how to effectively ramp up Garland’s conditioning. “That’s not something that can happen in two weeks,” Altman added. During the regular season, Garland averaged 20.6 points and 6.7 assists but was sidelined for the final two games of the regular season and four playoff games due to the turf toe injury.
In Garland’s absence, the Cavaliers may start the season with Donovan Mitchell playing point guard and Sam Merrill stepping in at shooting guard. The team also added Lonzo Ball from the Chicago Bulls during the offseason, who is expected to play a crucial role early on. Coach Kenny Atkinson praised Ball, stating, “With this guy, he hits what we do to a tee. He will add a lot.”
Additionally, forward Max Strus is anticipated to miss the first two months of the regular season following surgery on his broken left foot. Strus contributed significantly last season, averaging 9.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.2 assists in 50 games. In his absence, De’Andre Hunter, acquired at the trade deadline last season, is expected to take on a larger role.
As training camp kicks off next week at IMG Academy in Sarasota, Florida, Altman indicated that the Cavaliers will have a clearer timeline for Garland’s recovery following six days of workouts. The team is eager to see how these changes will affect their lineup as they aim to build on last season’s success.
Stay tuned for further updates as the Cavaliers prepare for a challenging start to the season without their All-Star guard.
