The Cleveland Cavaliers’ hopes for an NBA title this year hinge heavily on the recovery of their key player, Darius Garland. The team, which secured the top seed in the Eastern Conference with an impressive 64-win regular season, experienced a disappointing exit last postseason after being swept by the Indiana Pacers in the second round. This outcome left fans and analysts questioning the team’s true potential, especially considering Garland missed multiple playoff games due to injury.

Garland, who averaged 20.6 points and nearly seven assists during the regular season, struggled with a sprained left big toe that sidelined him for four of nine playoff games. Even after returning, the injury hampered his explosive playmaking ability, significantly impacting Cleveland’s overall performance. The Cavaliers’ downfall despite their dominant regular season has sparked debate over whether the team’s success was a fluke.

The Crucial Role of Darius Garland in Last Season’s Collapse

Veteran NBA insider Jason Timpf highlighted Garland’s injury as a pivotal factor in Cleveland’s underwhelming playoff run.

“I actually find myself higher on the Cavs than most after that disappointment. And it’s not even because the top of the East got weaker. That certainly helps… But Darius Garland was hurt, and I really think that was the thing that prevented the Cavs from operating at their regular season peak,”

Timpf explained.

Head coach Kenny Atkinson confirmed the severity of Garland’s condition during a postgame interview, acknowledging the point guard’s determination despite significant pain.

“He’s just playing through a lot of pain, quite honestly. To get him to play this game, let’s just say there’s a lot that goes into it. He’s kind of taking one for the team here,”

Atkinson said. Garland himself gave a glimpse into his struggle, stating,

“Y’all don’t understand what I’m going through.”

Timpf elaborated on how Garland’s injury diminished Cleveland’s offensive flow.

“Darius Garland is the guy who when he’s healthy is so f—— quick that nobody can stop him from getting where he needs to get on the floor… When Darius Garland has a bad toe and he can’t plant and change direction and change speed and beat people off the dribble as effectively, he’s not breaking down the defense as well… The kickout reads aren’t as clean… Those catch and shoot looks aren’t the same.”

Without Garland at full strength, the Cavaliers were forced into an unnatural style of play. Donovan Mitchell, another key player, had to shoulder more offensive responsibility, often resorting to hero ball, while the supporting players struggled to find rhythm, further highlighting the void left by Garland’s limitations.

Jason Timpf summed up the impact succinctly:

“Darius being hurt, it kind of felt like the head got cut off the snake in a lot of ways.”

Garland underwent surgery last month and is expected to recover fully within four to five months, a timeline that offers hope for the Cavaliers’ future prospects.

Potential Moves Ahead to Support Garland’s Return and Strengthen the Squad

With Garland’s recovery progressing, the Cavaliers front office is actively planning roster changes to complement his return and improve their chances of contending for a title. The team has already made notable off-season moves, bringing in Lonzo Ball and Larry Nance Jr. while letting go of Ty Jerome and Isaac Okoro. However, further adjustments appear imminent.

Insider Chris Fedor revealed there are ongoing talks about trading Dean Wade, a reliable bench contributor for the Cavaliers over six seasons. Wade averaged 5.4 points and more than four rebounds last season, but his $6.6 million salary and contract length make him a candidate for trade as Cleveland seeks more financial flexibility. The Dallas Mavericks are reportedly interested in Wade, which could clear space for emerging young talent, including Nae’Qwan Tomlin.

Alongside trimming the roster, Cleveland is expressing interest in acquiring two-time All-Star Victor Oladipo, who last played for Miami in the 2022-23 season. Oladipo averaged 10.7 points and over three assists, bringing veteran experience though he is no longer in peak form. Cavs owner Dan Gilbert’s admiration for Oladipo suggests he might pursue this addition to bolster the team’s depth.

Balancing Garland’s Health and Team Restructuring for the Future

The Cavaliers face a critical offseason where decisions about their roster could define their fate in the coming year, especially considering the fragile condition of their leader, Darius Garland. His upcoming recovery will influence whether the team rebounds as a dominant force in the East or contemplates more significant changes. Garland’s return to full health could restore Cleveland’s dynamic offense and allow complementary pieces like Donovan Mitchell to thrive within a balanced system.

At the same time, Cleveland’s willingness to move players such as Dean Wade and pursue veterans like Oladipo demonstrates their intent to shake off last season’s failure and build a competitive, versatile roster. These moves, combined with Garland’s anticipated comeback, could reignite the Cavaliers’ championship hopes if executed carefully.

As the summer unfolds, all eyes will be on Garland’s recovery progress and the front office’s decisions, which together will shape whether the Cavaliers remain contenders or enter a period of reevaluation and reinvention.

Our Reader’s Queries

Q. What happened to Darius Garland’s eye?

A. Since October 19, 22-year-old Garland has missed five games. In the season opener, Toronto’s Gary Trent Jr. accidentally poked him in the eye. The injury caused a cut on his eyelid and a lot of swelling.