Darius Garland Goes ‘Through Everything’ At Cavs Practice

CLEVELAND — All the Cavaliers want is a little good news when it comes to All-Star point guard Darius Garland, his troublesome back and when he will re-join the team in an actual game.

And if not a game, at least a real practice.

Well, it appears Garland got a little closer to that Tuesday, as the Cavs held a walkthrough to prepare for Wednesday’s home date with the Hornets. Garland “went through everything and even played a little one-on-one,” coach J.B. Bickerstaff told reporters, via Kelsey Russo of The Athletic.

Officially, Garland has been upgraded from “out” to “questionable” for Wednesday’s game.

Garland has missed all three games following the All-Star break and the Cavs have won just one of them — and barely, at home, over the Wizards. Along with Garland, of course, the Cavs are missing backup Rajon Rondo and recently acquired shooting guard Caris LeVert.

So, not much. Just their top three backcourt players. Somehow, though, they are surviving just fine in the oh-so-tight Eastern Conference race for playoff positioning.

Garland, 22, has a bone bruise in his back, something with which he may eventually just have to accept and play through the rest of the season. Reports suggest he is itching to get back on the court and help his team.

“He’s starting to ramp back up,” Bickerstaff said. “It’s one of those things that’s more day-to-day. Us understanding what it is as a whole and how we can really fix it and being as patient as we can.

“It’s a combination of the pain and mobility. We just want to make sure we get it as calmed down as we possibly can.”

Cavs GM Mike Gansey addressed Garland’s situation as well.

 “Darius is a tough kid. He’s come a long way since his rookie year,” Gansey said. “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.”