The Cleveland Cavaliers have received an optimistic update regarding Darius Garland’s recovery following his toe surgery, which has been a concern since late in the regular season and throughout the playoffs. Coach Kenny Atkinson informed the media after practice on Monday that Garland participated in a scrimmage session, showcasing positive signs in his recovery process. While Garland is still expected to miss the beginning of the season, Atkinson stated that the star point guard appears to be ahead of schedule.
“He did most of practice today and we were live, so we’ll see how he responds tomorrow. I don’t know what that means big picture-wise, but good sign for us… I want DG healthy long-term for the season, for the playoffs. Really kind of having conversations with him, making sure the build-up is right. We’re erring on the side of long-term thinking,” Atkinson shared.
Previously, Garland was expected to return by early November, marking about five months since his surgery. However, with his encouraging performance in practice, it seems likely that he could be back on the court sooner.
Garland is not the only Cavalier dealing with injury concerns as they prepare for their season opener on October 22 against the New York Knicks. De’Andre Hunter is currently listed as questionable due to a knee injury sustained during a preseason game against the Detroit Pistons. Additionally, Max Strus continues to recover from offseason foot surgery with no clear timeline for his return. While Strus has exited a walking boot, his status for the upcoming game remains uncertain.
In light of these injuries, Atkinson may need to rely on bench players to step up. Possible options include Sam Merrill, Dean Wade, and Jaylon Tyson. Notably, Lonzo Ball and Tyrese Proctor are also anticipated to receive minutes in the early games of the season.
Garland recently expressed his confidence regarding the team’s prospects, claiming that had he been fully healthy during the playoffs, the Cavaliers would have claimed the championship. “I think we would’ve won it, I say that pretty confidently. The talent with this group is just out the roof,” he asserted in a discussion on Sirius XM NBA Radio.
Following a strong regular season where the Cavaliers finished with an impressive 64-18 record, they made notable changes in the offseason, including a trade that sent Isaac Okoro to the Chicago Bulls in exchange for Lonzo Ball. As they navigate these initial challenges, ESPN ranks the Cavaliers in a competitive position, tying them with the Denver Nuggets for the second-best odds of winning the 2026 NBA title, trailing only the Oklahoma City Thunder.
With the season approaching, there is a sense of hope surrounding the Cavaliers, especially given the resolve and talent displayed by their players. The team’s adaptability will be crucial as they aim to overcome these initial setbacks and make a significant impact in the upcoming season.