Cleveland Cavaliers Prepare for Darius Garland’s Return
The Cleveland Cavaliers are on the verge of welcoming back All-Star Darius Garland, who may take the court for the first time this season as early as Wednesday against the Philadelphia 76ers. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Garland has been recuperating since June following surgery to correct an ongoing issue with his left big toe, which had been a nuisance during last year’s playoff series.
Garland’s Recovery and Impact
In the lead-up to his potential return, Garland has been actively participating in training camp sessions alongside the Cavaliers’ G League affiliate and has also practiced with the main team this week. Coach Kenny Atkinson has indicated that Garland is nearing full readiness, stating that the player is “close” to making his long-awaited debut.
The young guard had previously dealt with his toe injury starting in March of last season, which caused him to miss a few regular season games. The situation worsened when he aggravated the injury during the first round of the playoffs. His return could significantly enhance the Cavaliers’ struggling offense, which was ranked 26th in offensive efficiency prior to Tuesday’s games. Last season, Garland averaged 20.6 points and 6.7 assists while shooting 47% from the field across 75 games.
Current Team Challenges
Currently, the Cavaliers hold a record of 4-3 but have faced challenges due to injuries. Alongside Garland, they are also without Max Strus, who is expected to be out for a substantial part of the season due to foot surgery, and center Jarrett Allen, who is managing a fractured finger. Garland’s presence on the court is anticipated to not only rejuvenate the team’s offensive strategy but also boost the morale of a roster that has been tested early this season.
