Despite last offseason’s speculation that Darius Garland and the Cavs might part ways following their second-round playoff loss to Boston, that was never a serious option — for either side.
“It crossed my mind. Like just literally crossed it for like five seconds,” Garland told ESPN’s Tim MacMahon. “But I really love this group, man. It’s like a real brotherhood… I really want to win here.”
And win, they have. Now leading the Eastern Conference, the Cavs have seen Garland thrive under new head coach Kenny Atkinson. The All-Star guard is posting career numbers—21.3 points, 6.7 assists, and elite efficiency at 49.1% from the field and 42.3% from deep. His resurgence, as GM Koby Altman explained, was never about conflict—it was about reclaiming his status as one of the league’s top guards.
“He wanted to get back to an All-Star level,” Altman said. “That was our job—to empower him again.”
Garland’s offseason work was all about physicality, ensuring he could withstand the grind of a deep playoff run. His dedication didn’t go unnoticed.
“In an era where so many guys look for an easy way out, he just put his head down and worked,” former Cavs forward Georges Niang said. “He deserves this.”
With Garland playing the best basketball of his career and the Cavs looking like contenders, Cleveland’s faith in their star point guard has paid off in a big way.
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