Darius Garland Nears Return from Toe Injury, Cavaliers Guard Poised for Sixth NBA Season

Darius Garland (toe) is reportedly close to being cleared to play. His 2023-24 season was previously interrupted by a six-week absence (mid-December to late January) due to a fractured jaw. Before the jaw injury, he averaged 20.7 points, 5.9 assists, and 1.6 steals through 20 games, with numbers slightly dipping to 16.6 points and 6.9 assists after his return. His playoff production also saw a slight step back. Garland, entering his sixth NBA season, is expected to continue shining alongside Donovan Mitchell, forming a top-tier backcourt. He had a breakout All-Star campaign in 2021-22, setting career bests with 21.7 points, 8.6 assists, 1.3 steals, and 2.6 three-pointers per game, shooting 46.2% from the field and 89.2% from the free-throw line. While Mitchell's presence limits his ceiling, Garland remains the driving force of the offense and has room to grow at 22 years old. He's a reliable third-round fantasy option, offering strong all-around production and respectable three-point shooting (37.1% last season).