Cavs’ Kenny Atkinson on Darius Garland looming return: ‘See how he responds’

Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson was asked about reports that All-Star point guard Darius Garland could return Wednesday, and Atkinson was realistic.

“Just kind of see how he responds,” Atkinson told reporters Tuesday, via Cleveland.com’s Chris Fedor. “Just kind of repeat what I’ve said before, he is really close. Let’s see what tomorrow morning looks like.”

Either way, Garland’s season debut is near. If it doesn’t happen Wednesday at home vs. the 76ers, the arrow would then point to Friday’s visit to the Wizards.

“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.”

Garland will likely be on a minutes restriction whenever he does return. 

“It’s not going to be like he’s going to play 12 minutes,” Atkinson said. “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.”

Garland is coming off turf toe surgery in early June. The same injury that cost him the end of the Heat series — and the first chunk of the Pacers series — last spring. Before that, he was excellent in 2024–25, averaging 20.6 points, 6.7 assists, 2.9 rebounds, .472 shooting, and a second All-Star berth.