Darius Garland has had fairly the NBA profession. After enjoying 5 video games in school, the Cleveland Cavaliers took him with the fifth general choose in 2019. He had a tough rookie season and was the league’s worst participant by most metrics.
Garland made nice strides over the following 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 appeared to be on observe for a giant playoff run, earlier than injuring his toe in sport two towards 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 brought about Cleveland to tug the plug and commerce him to the LA Clippers, the place Garland appears to be the precise match.
The Clippers look smarter by the day for taking an opportunity on Darius Garland
Garland’s impression has been nothing wanting sensational through the first a part of his Clippers tenure. By 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 sport, and 7 assists on 52 p.c capturing and 51 p.c from three-point vary. These splits will possible common out in some unspecified time in the future with a bigger pattern measurement, 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 skill to create at any angle are two of his finest qualities. He has made life simpler for Kawhi Leonard, Bennedict Mathurin, and others.
Now we have additionally seen Clippers head coach Ty Lue have success with level guards prior to now, most notably Kyrie Irving throughout his time with the Cavs. Lue might have the same impression on Garland and we’re seeing the outcomes of that up to now.
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 following period of LA basketball must be a enjoyable one.
