Darius Garland’s comeback is exactly what the Cavs needed

2024 was a nightmare season for Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland. He missed nearly two months with a broken jaw and lost over ten pounds. He ate his meals through a straw, and he had to do that in Paris, which has arguably the best food in the world, imagine that.

Garland went on to finish with arguably his worst season statistically since his rookie season, with most metrics having him among the worst players in the league. In the playoffs, the Cavs had one -18.6 net rating when he was on the pitch without his back-row mate Donovan Mitchell. Garland also had the fifth-worst net rating on the team in the playoffs at -9.2ahead of Georges Niang, Marcus Morris, Tristan Thompson and a limping Dean Wade at the time.

After an offseason of trade rumors that he might have to shut down, Cleveland hiring Kenny Atkinson and a full three months to regain his confidence and weight, Garland is back in All-Star form.

Garland averages about 20 points per game. game and seven assists on a .523/.463/1.000 shooting split. He already has two games with 34+ points. He had four such exhibitions all of last season. This includes 39-point outburst against Damian Lillard and Milwaukee Bucks on Monday night, with Garland trading haymakers with the All-Star guard down the stretch.

A big reason for the jump in efficiency for Garland, however, has been his off-ball movement. For years, the Cavs have said they like his off-ball potential, but Atkinson has unlocked it in his offense. Garland shoots 46.6% on corner threes this season and 48.5% on catch-and-shoots looks like.

With the ball in his hands, he has taken care of the ball, something that was a problem at times last season. Garland has been confident this year with his trips to the basket and getting to his patented floater.

Garland-led lineups this year have also been very positive for Cleveland, as the team has a +13.9 net rating when Garland is on the field without Mitchell, a stark contrast from last year when non-Mitchell minutes were a nightmare.

Even in games where he has had off nights, like mod Lakers and the Bucks last week, he still found ways to be effective. His off-ball movement opened the floor for Mitchell and Mobley to take over. His play was also efficient as he had 20 assists in those two games and only two turnovers.

People can tear up their obituaries and say goodbye to the passing of Darius Garland. One of the main reasons Cleveland is 9-0 and off to its best start in franchise history is because of his return to All-Star form. If he keeps playing like this, the Cavs have a chance to win a title.