Darius Garland has had fairly the NBA profession. After enjoying 5 video games in faculty, the Cleveland Cavaliers took him with the fifth total choose in 2019. He had a tough rookie season and was the league’s worst participant by most metrics.
Garland made nice strides over the following two seasons, incomes his first All-Star choice in 2022. He battled accidents in 2024, however bounced again to earn his second All-Star nod in 2025, a giant purpose why the Cavs gained 64 video games.
Garland appeared to be on observe for a giant playoff run, earlier than injuring his toe in recreation two in opposition to the Warmth and he was by no means the identical after that.
He ended up getting offseason surgical procedure on that toe and when he got here again this season, he was clearly affected. It led to Garland injuring his different toe and his lack of availability brought about Cleveland to tug the plug and commerce him to the LA Clippers, the place Garland appears to be the proper match.
The Clippers look smarter by the day for taking an opportunity on Darius Garland
Garland’s influence has been nothing in need of sensational in the course of the first a part of his Clippers tenure. By way of 11 video games, LA is 8-3 within the video games he performs, and have a 127.9 offensive ranking with Garland on the court docket.
On a person degree, Garland has been environment friendly. He’s averaging 21 factors per recreation, and 7 assists on 52 p.c taking pictures and 51 p.c from three-point vary. These splits will seemingly common out in some unspecified time in the future with a bigger pattern measurement, however his environment friendly scoring and playmaking have been on full show.
Garland is at his greatest when he’s working in area, within the pick-and-roll, and when he can push the tempo. His artful deal with and his skill to create at any angle are two of his greatest qualities. He has made life simpler for Kawhi Leonard, Bennedict Mathurin, and others.
We’ve additionally seen Clippers head coach Ty Lue have success with level guards up to now, most notably Kyrie Irving throughout his time with the Cavs. Lue might have an analogous influence on Garland and we’re seeing the outcomes of that so far.
If Garland can preserve his clear invoice of well being, then this was a house run commerce for the Clippers. Whereas the Cavs have having their very own success with Harden, Garland is ten years youthful, and has an extended runway within the league. If he can preserve this up, then the following period of LA basketball ought to be a enjoyable one.
