The resurgence of Darius Garland, crucial in the historic season of the Cleveland Cavaliers

After being disappointingly eliminated in the second round of the playoffs by the eventual champions Boston Celtics, the Cleveland Cavaliers had an interesting offseason. They were involved in many rumors, including the possible trade of the team's star, Donovan Mitchell. Additionally, some reports suggested that the guard and his teammate Darius Garland might have to part ways. In the end, they didn't make many moves and chose to keep the team intact. With a few weeks left in the 2024-25 season, they are the number 1 seed in the Eastern Conference.

Recently, Garland spoke about the team's motivations this year. The Cavaliers' guard referred to this season as a sort of revenge season. Furthermore, Garland said he wanted to prove wrong those who doubted him last year.

"It was, in quotes, the revenge season. There were a lot of people on the list that I wanted to get back at, and a lot of people had written me off and doubted me last year. So I had it in the back of my mind and I really put in the work this summer. Spent a lot of time in the weight room, trying to get my body right. In the gym a lot, just sharpening my tools. But this year has truly been a revenge season, for all those who doubted me and those who hated on me for everything that happened last year," declared Garland.

Garland Earns Koby Altman's Trust

In his sixth season in Cleveland, Garland is having one of the best years of his career. So far, Garland is averaging 20.7 points, 2.8 rebounds, 6.6 assists, and 1.2 steals per game. Additionally, he is shooting 47.4% from the field and 40.4% from beyond the arc. Garland also earned his second career All-Star nomination this year. According to Cavaliers' president, Koby Altman, this was a major goal for Garland.

"He wanted to get back to the All-Star Game and our job was to help him get there," Altman told ESPN. "Our job was to give him the personnel that was going to enhance him again. But not once did Darius ask out, not once did Darius have a problem with Donovan, and not once did he have a problem with the organization."

Recently, Garland admitted that the idea of leaving Cleveland crossed his mind. However, the guard made it clear that he has no desire to go anywhere. "It did cross my mind. Literally crossed my mind for like five seconds," Garland told ESPN when asked if he had ever thought about leaving his only NBA franchise. "But I really love this group, man. It's like a true brotherhood. We've been together for three or four years and I really want to win here."

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