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Cavaliers Hit With Mixed News In Darius Garland Injury Update

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports
By Frederick Okocha | Last updated Sep 24, 2025 2:15 AM ET

CLEVELAND — Chris Fedor of cleveland.com reported that Darius Garland has returned to basketball activities after offseason toe surgery. The point guard will join training camp in a “very” limited capacity, but there remains no official timetable for his return. Team sources believe he could miss 10 to 15 games to start the 2025-26 season. President of basketball operations Koby Altman sounded cautiously optimistic. “The toe looks good, and he feels good,” Altman said Tuesday. He stressed that Garland’s conditioning must build slowly and cannot be rushed in a matter of weeks.

Cavaliers Hit With Mixed News In Darius Garland Injury Update

How Garland Spent the Offseason

This Darius Garland injury update reflects months of careful planning by the Cavaliers medical staff. After surgery on June 9, Garland’s rehab focused on a four-to-five month progression of strength and treatment. The Cavs expected him to be back for camp, and in many ways he is — though with restrictions.

Garland spent much of the summer in the weight room. Altman noted the 24-year-old looked stronger and “more stout” entering September. That added strength could help Garland defensively, an area where he often struggles against larger guards. Cleveland ranked eighth in defensive rating last season and improved to fifth in the playoffs. Adding muscle could help Garland hold his ground on the perimeter.

Cleveland’s Temporary Adjustments

Apr 20, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Sam Merrill (5) celebrates his three-point basket in the fourth quarter against the Miami Heat at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images

The Cavs will begin camp at IMG Academy in Sarasota, Fla., before their first preseason game on Oct. 7. Without Garland, head coach J.B. Bickerstaff is expected to move sharpshooter Sam Merrill into the starting five. Donovan Mitchell will slide over to point guard in the meantime.

Mitchell played at an MVP level last season, but Cleveland’s offensive rhythm depends heavily on Garland’s playmaking. The Cavs averaged 20.6 points and 6.7 assists from him across 75 games, numbers difficult to replace.

The Larger Implications

The Darius Garland injury update highlights a familiar theme in Cleveland: injuries undercutting postseason hopes. Garland missed four playoff games last spring, and the Cavs again bowed out in the second round. For Mitchell’s tenure, injuries to key players have repeatedly stalled progress.

If Garland misses 14 or more games early, he cannot reach the 75-game mark he set last season. That possibility adds weight to Cleveland’s decision to acquire Lonzo Ball. The front office views Ball as a stabilizing presence should Garland face extended absences.

Balancing Optimism With Caution

There is good news in this Darius Garland injury update. Garland’s toe has healed, his body looks stronger, and his mental approach remains positive. Yet the bad news is unavoidable. Cleveland must open the season without its All-Star point guard fully available, and the margin for error in the Eastern Conference is thinner than most people think.

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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