CLEVELAND — Clearly, Darius Garland can be the point guard to lead the Cavaliers to nice things. But in order for that to happen, Garland needs to be on the court.
And on the court is where he wants to be. It’s where the Cavs want him to be. Instead, through no fault of his own, nor of the Cavs’, Garland has missed all three games in the All-Star break.
The Cavs (36-25) are 1-2 in that span, barely squeaking out a home win over the equally undermanned Wizards.
So, what’s the deal with Garland?
Well, last week, Cavs GM Mike Gansey made it sound as if Garland is day-to-day. Gansey said the Cavs believe Garland’s injury is a “short-term thing.” We also know Garland has taken part in at least some shooting drills over the past few days. On top of that, again, he really wants to play.
“You watch him run around and see him in pregame and he’s fine,” Gansey said Monday, via Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com. “It’s a bone bruise. A day-to-day thing. Nothing long term. He needs rest. Obviously, rest is not on our side right now.”
Of course, the Cavs aren’t missing just Garland. They’re also without recently acquired Caris LeVert and Rajon Rondo, Garland’s primary backup. But Garland is the keys to the engine.
“We just thought internally, ‘OK, if he gets this extra rest (after the All-Star Break), this is hopefully going to help for the last 20-something games,'” Gansey said. “Just trying to keep him out of harms way and trying to help our team for the stretch run.
“With all his shiftiness, that’s fine. But if he goes in and gets hit then all it takes is one. We hope we can get through it with him taking a week or so. But who knows, maybe Wednesday he wakes up feeling good? I don’t know. This proper rest here will only help.”
Gansey reiterated that the Cavs don’t believe Garland’s injury is serious or a long-term thing. The goal, it seems, is to stay in the air-tight Eastern Conference race for playoff positioning, while making sure Garland is rested.
“There’s nothing structural. Something he has to do deal with the rest of the year unfortunately,” Gansey said. “Darius is a tough kid. He’s come a long way since his rookie year. He wants to be out there as bad as anyone else. Giving him a little more time is the best for everyone involved. …
“Just got to tread water and hopefully get back healthy,” Gansey said. “You feel every night, even when we’re down multiple guys, we feel there’s a fighting chance because our guys are going to lay it on the line every night. Hopefully we can somehow stay relevant in the East.”
Garland, 22, is 6-foot-1 ands averaging career-highs of 20.3 points and 8.0 assists in 47 games.
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Pardon me for saying so:
I AM sorry for Garlands back hurting! Back situations can be & are quite painful. I say this from experience.
I SAW, AFTER the game with Pacers, Feb 12, which Darius Garland sit out due to Back Problems, Darius & Tristan Thompson HUG each other. Darius winced with pain when Tristan hugged him.
Then, the whole Cleveland All Star weekend… & I understand why he would attempt to participate, though not necessarily wise, health-wise,(others did sit it out) but I agree with him, for this HIS first outing, to try, & HE DID VERY WELL. BUT, During these events, when NOT actually in the game, I’ve seen him in continual bench shenanigans, falling over backwards like fainting when a shot was made, encouraging his friends.
4 Since then, I’ve seen Darius continue sitting out games, and the same, quick up off the bench & some clowning when not necessary. YES, he’s young, & energetic, and when this energy IS expended it is meant for encouragement of the team; HOWEVER, THIS IS NOT RESTING HIS BACK AS THE GM PUT IT. Resting IS RESTING ! Not jumping up & down, falling over or massive HUGS to ex – or even current team members, especially when they body-crush a diminutive Garland to the point it hurts. Further injuring, also IS not resting ! Extending the injury is NOT Resting, Even Cheerleading is NOT Resting. Yes Cavs need him to be in There, He wants to BE in there, but pardon me for saying so, but, his youth is showing. It’s GOOD and It’s Bad. Hope he gets a grip and heals real soon for the standings plummet is coming if he doesn’t.
NOW ABOUT THAT OFFICIATING ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? The ball came OFF Timberwolf’s guard,,, obvious, & a minute later, CEDI DID NOT step out of bounds on the corner. Officials got it wrong & a LOT. This last game though is on BICKERSTAFF for seemingly never contesting wrong call. lost 4 points for that & resulted in a momentum swing, & short T-wolf run to overcome at halftime. 2 to 4 extra points they did not have would’ve made a difference at overcoming Towns’ 3pt. at the end, could’ve gone for 2 pt shot for the win.
Overall Season IS far better than expected, and just a little short of doing GREAT. But some things need to change quickly or the slide to the bottom-feeders is coming soon.