BREAKING: Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Darius Garland will engage in limited activities during training camp as he continues to recover from toe surgery and is expected to miss at least the opening month of the regular season. The injury, which plagued him throughout the playoffs, has left fans concerned about the team’s early performance.
Garland underwent surgery on his injured big toe in early June, and while Cavaliers president of basketball operations Koby Altman reports that the All-Star has shown significant improvements in strength and conditioning, the team is cautious about his return. “He looks good. He’s stronger, more stout and has a great attitude,” Altman said. However, he emphasized the importance of gradually ramping up Garland’s conditioning, stating, “That’s not something that can happen in two weeks.”
In Garland’s absence, the Cavaliers could start the season with Donovan Mitchell transitioning to point guard and Sam Merrill stepping in at shooting guard. The team also acquired Lonzo Ball from the Chicago Bulls during the offseason, and coach Kenny Atkinson is excited about his potential impact: “With this guy, he hits what we do to a tee. He will add a lot.”
Adding to the Cavaliers’ challenges, forward Max Strus is also expected to miss the first two months of the regular season following surgery on his broken left foot. Strus averaged 9.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.2 assists during last season, contributing significantly to the team’s strong performance.
As the Cavaliers prepare for training camp at IMG Academy in Sarasota, Florida, Altman indicated that the team hopes to establish a clearer timeline for both Garland and Strus after six days of workouts next week. Meanwhile, De’Andre Hunter, acquired at the trade deadline last season, is expected to take on a larger role during Strus’ recovery.
The Cavaliers, who boasted the best record in the Eastern Conference last season, were eliminated by the Indiana Pacers in the conference semifinals. Fans are eager to see how the team adapts without two key players as the regular season approaches.
Stay tuned for the latest updates as the situation develops. The Cavaliers’ first game is just around the corner, and how they navigate these injuries could define their early season success.
