Darius Garland has had fairly the NBA profession. After taking part in 5 video games in school, the Cleveland Cavaliers took him with the fifth general decide in 2019. He had a tough rookie season and was the league’s worst participant by most metrics.
Garland made nice strides over the subsequent two seasons, incomes his first All-Star choice in 2022. He battled accidents in 2024, however bounced again to earn his second All-Star nod in 2025, a giant cause why the Cavs gained 64 video games.
Garland gave the impression to be on observe for a giant playoff run, earlier than injuring his toe in recreation two in opposition to the Warmth and he was by no means the identical after that.
He ended up getting offseason surgical procedure on that toe and when he got here again this season, he was clearly affected. It led to Garland injuring his different toe and his lack of availability precipitated Cleveland to tug the plug and commerce him to the LA Clippers, the place Garland appears to be the fitting match.
The Clippers look smarter by the day for taking an opportunity on Darius Garland
Garland’s influence has been nothing in need of sensational throughout the first a part of his Clippers tenure. Via 11 video games, LA is 8-3 within the video games he performs, and have a 127.9 offensive score with Garland on the court docket.
On a person degree, Garland has been environment friendly. He’s averaging 21 factors per recreation, and 7 assists on 52 p.c taking pictures and 51 p.c from three-point vary. These splits will probably common out sooner or later with a bigger pattern dimension, however his environment friendly scoring and playmaking have been on full show.
Garland is at his finest when he’s working in area, within the pick-and-roll, and when he can push the tempo. His artful deal with and his capability to create at any angle are two of his finest qualities. He has made life simpler for Kawhi Leonard, Bennedict Mathurin, and others.
We’ve additionally seen Clippers head coach Ty Lue have success with level guards previously, most notably Kyrie Irving throughout his time with the Cavs. Lue may have an identical influence on Garland and we’re seeing the outcomes of that to this point.
If Garland can maintain his clear invoice of well being, then this was a house run commerce for the Clippers. Whereas the Cavs have having their very own success with Harden, Garland is ten years youthful, and has an extended runway within the league. If he can maintain this up, then the subsequent period of LA basketball must be a enjoyable one.
