Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Darius Garland has undergone surgery to address a significant toe injury and is expected to be sidelined for 4-5 months during his recovery, according to a team announcement. Fortunately, the projection indicates that Garland should make a full recovery and is anticipated to return to basketball activities in time for the start of training camp.
Garland suffered the toe injury during the first round of the NBA playoffs, subsequently sitting out four games before making a comeback in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. However, his performance was affected post-injury, as he ended up shooting merely 34.2% from the field and 16.7% from three-point range in the final games of the series.
His surgery took place at the Vanderbilt University Medical Center, with the team committing to provide updates on his recovery throughout the offseason.
During the 2023-24 season, Garland had one of the best years of his career, earning his second All-Star selection and showcasing a strong shooting percentage of 47.2%. He averaged 20.6 points, 7.6 assists, and 2.9 rebounds per game, contributing to the Cavaliers’ impressive 64-18 record, which secured them the top seed in the Eastern Conference, closely trailing the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Garland signed a substantial five-year, $197 million contract prior to the current season, giving the Cavaliers control over his services for three more years. As he approaches his age-26 season, he is set to earn nearly $40 million.
Drafted fifth overall by the Cavaliers in 2019 after a standout but brief tenure at Vanderbilt, Garland has proven to be an invaluable asset to the team. His determination and resilience have already been on display as he aims to recover fully and continue contributing to the Cavaliers’ success.
Looking ahead, fans can remain optimistic about Garland’s return, given his talent and the Cavaliers’ strong roster. With the right recovery, he could play a pivotal role in their upcoming seasons.