Cavaliers' Darius Garland Nears Return After Toe Surgery

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland is nearing a return from left great toe surgery after being assigned to and recalled from the NBA G League affiliate Cleveland Charge to ramp up conditioning and practice. He is reportedly participating fully in practice, including scrimmaging, with no restrictions, though the team remains cautious about his game return timeline, targeting early to mid-November. Garland, who attempted to play through the injury during last season's playoffs, is currently in the later stages of his rehab and is expected to return once fully healthy to avoid setbacks. His return is anticipated to provide the Cavaliers with a significant boost, allowing Donovan Mitchell to play off the ball more and adding an elite shot creator to their lineup. The Cavs, currently 3-2, have struggled at times offensively without him, and his presence is seen as key to improving their performance in upcoming home stands. Head coach Kenny Atkinson emphasized the focus on Garland not just returning to play, but returning to perform at a high level.