Cavaliers point guard Darius Garland hosted his first annual celebrity softball game on Saturday, writes Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com (subscription required). While the two-time All-Star was unable to participate in the festivities beyond taking a few swings in the batting cage and throwing out the first pitch, he provided an encouraging health update.
“I feel great. The recovery process is going well. But I’m here for my foundation,” Garland said. “I’m here to spread some positivity around the city of Cleveland and trying to have a good time. I always loved baseball, so I tried to make it a little bit competitive and kind of friendly as well.
“It’s my first one, so I’m kind of nervous, but I hope it’s going to be really cool and everybody really enjoys themselves.”
Garland, who made his second All-Star team last season, underwent surgery in June to repair the left great toe injury that hampered him in the postseason. He’s expected to miss some time to start the 2025/26 season.
Garland’s name has popped up in trade rumors for the second straight offseason, though things have quieted down considerably of late. The Kings and Suns were reportedly among the teams that expressed interest in the 25-year-old.
According to Fedor, seven members of the Cavaliers — including Garland — were present at the event, with the others being Evan Mobley, Jaylon Tyson, Max Strus, head coach Kenny Atkinson, president of basketball operations Koby Altman, and executive Grant Gilbert. Free agent center Tristan Thompson, who has spent the past two years with Cleveland, also participated.
“This city has embraced me since day one, and this event is a way to give that love back,” Garland said, per Fedor. “It’s more than just a game — it’s a celebration with purpose, supporting the work we’re doing through the Darius Garland Foundation to uplift and empower others in a meaningful way.”
Good, now the Cavs need to trade him. And why is J. Allen still around after the last 2 games he played, not sure how any Cavs fans can watch him play again.
I doubt they’ll make any more moves. They were the best team in the league during several stretches last season and should figure to be The best team in the East next season.
I’m not a Cavs fan but two games with most of the rest of the lineup being injured doesn’t make a career.
A Garland, Mitchell backcourt will always get exposed come playoffs. Can’t swith and guard anybody. Get hunted, exposed and tired on the Offensive end. Hard hiding two guys, hence the double big line up needed.
Trade for LeBron James and LeBron James Jr
Cavs are best team in East. They like Knicks did have bench issues. Getting Hunter and moving on from Okoro was a big move. Garland is 25 and is one of top PGs in L. He is not himself with toe that needed surgery. Cavs are team to beat in East imo.
DG the PG is a phenomenal player but just has a habit of breaking down towards the end of the season. For most of the season he was shooting 50/40/90 but then injuries caught up with him and he lost his edge. He doesn’t get enough credit for being a solid defender for his size but the Cavs seem to have possibly plateaued as a team. Mobley is clearly best suited for the center position but he’s not strong enough to man that full time which is why they need Allen. Allen has become a very expensive luxury. He’s great in the regular season but the Cavs best line-up is Mobley at the 5. For them to ever win a championship, Mobley has to become prime Garnett and I’m not sure he’s mentally built like that. Garnett was demanding the ball and putting up 18 shots a game in the playoffs. Mobleys shot attempts actually went down in the playoffs compared to the regular season. The team isn’t making it far if that trend continues.