CLEVELAND – Darius Garland, the Cavaliers’ All-Star point guard, is poised to make his season debut against the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday after recovering from offseason toe surgery that caused him to miss the first seven games of the season, according to three league sources.
The 25-year-old Garland, a two-time All-Star, underwent surgery in June to address an injury to his left big toe, which had sidelined him during four playoff games last spring. He has actively participated in basketball activities for more than a month and has intensified his workouts and practice sessions in the last two weeks.
Assuming there are no last-minute setbacks during practice, Garland will return to a lineup currently missing key players, including starting small forward Max Strus (recovering from foot surgery) and center Jarrett Allen (with a broken finger). Backup guard Sam Merrill, who stepped in for Garland during his absence, is also on the injury list with a hip issue. The Cavaliers have recorded a 4-3 record so far this season, a stark contrast to their spectacular start last season when they won their first 15 games.
Last season, Garland averaged 20.6 points and 6.7 assists per game, but his performance was constrained during the playoffs due to a lingering toe issue that affected his mobility on the court.
Cleveland’s offense has struggled without Garland, currently ranked 26th in the league. The Cavs were the top-scoring team last season with an average of 121.9 points per game and boasted impressive shooting and three-point shooting statistics. However, this season has seen a reliance on younger players, exacerbated by the absence of veterans, which has hindered their offensive rhythm. The coaching staff has also shifted responsibilities onto Evan Mobley, the Defensive Player of the Year, attempting to implement a more ball-dominant strategy that has stymied the team’s usual pace and ball movement.
Jaylon Tyson, a second-year wing, has emerged as a bright spot, averaging 10.9 points and shooting 44 percent from the three-point line. After an impressive performance against Atlanta, where he scored 16 points, coach Kenny Atkinson praised Tyson’s potential, suggesting he could evolve into a significant player worth “$20 million per year.”
The imminent return of Garland offers the Cavaliers hope for rejuvenating their offense, and fans eagerly anticipate how his presence will impact the team’s performance moving forward. With the roster still facing challenges due to injuries, the return of experienced players like Garland could serve as a pivotal moment in Cleveland’s season.