UPDATE: Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Darius Garland will participate in limited basketball activities during training camp, raising concerns about his readiness for the upcoming season. Garland is still expected to miss at least the first month of the regular season due to a big toe injury that required surgery in early June.
The Cavaliers, who finished with the best record in the Eastern Conference last season, were eliminated in the conference semifinals by the Indiana Pacers. Koby Altman, Cavaliers president of basketball operations, provided an optimistic update about Garland’s offseason, stating, “He focused on the things that we’ve been talking about for a long time, which is weight room strength. He looks good. He’s stronger, more stout and has a great attitude.”
However, Altman emphasized the critical next steps, saying, “The biggest thing is how do we start to ramp him up from a conditioning standpoint? That’s not something that can happen in two weeks.”
The All-Star guard had an impressive average of 20.6 points and 6.7 assists per game last season but missed crucial games due to his turf toe injury. In his absence, the Cavaliers may see Donovan Mitchell stepping up to point guard and Sam Merrill starting at shooting guard.
In a significant offseason move, the Cavaliers acquired Lonzo Ball from the Chicago Bulls, who is poised to play a crucial role early in the season. Coach Kenny Atkinson praised Ball’s fit within the team’s system, stating, “With this guy, he hits what we do to a tee. He will add a lot.”
Adding to the challenges, forward Max Strus is also expected to be sidelined for the first two months of the regular season following surgery on a broken left foot. Altman noted, “We could have a better timeline following six days of training camp workouts next week at IMG Academy in Sarasota, Florida.”
In Strus’ absence, De’Andre Hunter, who was acquired at the trade deadline last season, is expected to take on a larger role. Strus averaged 9.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.2 assists during the regular season, contributing significantly to the Cavaliers’ success.
As the team prepares for training camp, the Cavaliers face critical decisions regarding their lineup and strategies for the start of the season. Fans are eager to see how these adjustments will impact their championship aspirations. Stay tuned for updates as the situation develops.