Cavs’ Darius Garland has returned to basketball activities

Cavaliers All-Star point guard Darius Garland is back on the court, though it remains to be seen if he can begin the season in uniform.

We know this because Cavs president of basketball operations Koby Altman held a joint press conference on Tuesday with head coach Kenny Atkinson. Altman told reporters that Garland has returned to basketball activities (via Spencer Davies).

While there’s no timetable for Garland’s return, the Cavs are encouraged by the work he’s done in the weight room as his injury heals, Altman added.

Garland underwent surgery in June after suffering a big toe injury at the end of last season — causing him to miss time in the playoffs. He attempted to play in the second-round series against the Pacers, but clearly was compromised.

Atkinson said last month that Garland was progressing well but probably would not be a full go when the team reconvened.

“That’s not a medical opinion. That’s just my sense of this,” Atkinson told Cleveland.com’s Chris Fedor. “Under-promise and over-deliver. We’re not going to rush or push this. If he is ready, then great. I will rely on (trainer) Steve (Spiro) and Darius to tell me. But I don’t expect that.”

The Cavs are coming off a 64-18 season and start training camp next Tuesday (Sept. 30) in Florida. Some opposing NBA executives, coaches and scouts project them to emerge from the Eastern Conference this season.

But that’s a long way off. For now, Cleveland will need others to step in until Garland is ready to go.

“We have Don (Donovan Mitchell). We have (Lonzo Ball). We have CP (Craig Porter Jr.),” Atkinson said. “We are kind of covered. We also have (Evan Mobley), where we can throw it to him in a trail position and have him be a play-maker.”

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