INDEPENDENCE, Ohio — Cavs point guard Darius Garland went through a full practice Tuesday afternoon and is “really close” to making his highly anticipated season debut.
“Just kind of see how he responds,” Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson said following Tuesday’s workout at Cleveland Clinic Courts. “Just kind of repeat what I’ve said before, he is really close. Let’s what tomorrow morning looks like.”
When asked specifically if Garland could debut Wednesday night at home against the Philadelphia 76ers, Atkinson was noncommittal.
“I don’t want to get ahead of myself,” he said — an answer preceded by a long pause.
After battling turf toe at the end of 2024-25 — an injury that cost him four playoff games — Garland underwent offseason surgery on June 9.
Shortly after the operation, the Cavs announced that Garland would undergo a progression of treatment and rehab for about 4-5 months. Over the last few weeks, Garland has increased his on-court activity, including 5-on-5 scrimmages, pregame warmup sessions, shootaround participation and even an assignment with the Cleveland Charge, the Cavs’ G League affiliate.
Atkinson emphasized that Garland working with the Charge was intended to get him some game-like experience before returning to NBA action — a critical step in the recovery process.
At this point, it seems Garland has reached nearly every benchmark and is just awaiting medical clearance.
“He’s done the build-up. We feel good about his conditioning and where he is," Atkinson said. “I just think we need the green light. Once you get the green light, we are going to have to feel it out.”
If cleared as soon as Wednesday, Garland will be on a minute restriction — although Atkinson admitted that would be a feel-out process.
“It’s not going to be like he’s going to play 12 minutes,” Atkinson explained. “If he does play, is it going to be 32? No, but I think it’ll be a decent amount of minutes. Then I’ve got to read it. Just got to communicate with him and see where he is.”
A two-time All-Star, Garland averaged 20.6 points and 6.7 assists last season while shooting 40.1% from 3-point range and forming one of the league’s most dynamic backcourts alongside Donovan Mitchell.
Garland’s return will bring much-needed playmaking, floor generalship and spacing to an offense that’s leaned heavily on Mitchell, Lonzo Ball, Evan Mobley and even Craig Porter Jr. as the primary creators in his absence.
While the Cavaliers have been careful not to rush any injured player back, especially with a big-picture plan for playoff readiness, Garland’s recent activity, combined with Atkinson’s comments Tuesday, point to an imminent return.
Perhaps even Wednesday night.
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