The Los Angeles Clippers fanbase has been waiting patiently for Darius Garland‘s debut after his acquisition at the trade deadline. Garland has been nursing a left toe injury, and the Clippers want him fully healthy before clearing him to return.
According to Janis Carr of The Orange County Register, Garland’s debut is getting closer after he took part in his first 5-on-5 scrimmage on Tuesday. He is expected to participate in another scrimmage before the team’s medical team decides on his status for the Clippers’ game against the New Orleans Pelicans on March 1.
The Clippers have officially ruled out Garland for Thursday’s matchup versus the Minnesota Timberwolves, as per their injury report. The franchise has been very cautious with the two-time All-Star guard since he has been plagued by foot and toe issues since last season.
Garland was acquired from the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for James Harden in a shocking deal. It signaled the Cavs going all in, but it also meant that the Clippers are embracing a potential rebuild. They also traded Ivica Zubac to the Indiana Pacers, which was even more surprising.
Coach Ty Lue Comments on Garland’s Progress
Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue was pretty happy with Darius Garland’s progress in his recovery from a toe injury. However, Lue reiterated the importance of letting Garland be fully healthy before clearing him to make his debut.
“He’s looked great,” Lue said. “He looked really good. Moving, going both ways, had a great pace. Of course, the shot-making is great, but as far as movement, he looked really good.”
In Garland’s absence, Kris Dunn has been tasked with being the team’s primary ball handler. Dunn couldn’t wait to have him on the court and get catch-and-shoot opportunities.
“He’s been great on the court, off the court,” Dunn said. “His personality is really high. It gels with the team, and we can’t wait for him to get out there.”
Kawhi Leonard has also taken charge and has gotten the ball in his hands more since the James Harden trade.
Garland Excited to Play for Clippers
Darius Garland spent the first six and a half years of his career with the Cleveland Cavaliers. He was an important building block of the franchise’s resurgence, including last year’s 64-win season. So it was a little bit shocking that he was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers.
Speaking to Marc J. Spears of Andscape, Garland revealed that he was a bit skeptical when he learned about the trade. However, he changed his mind after arriving in Los Angeles and was embraced by his new team.
“I’m super excited about L.A. life,” Garland said. “The first day, I literally called my mom and said, ‘This is the first time I’ve seen sun in February.’ Waking up to the sun instantly changed my whole mood. I woke up earlier, getting a little bit of sunlight before I headed out to practice, just enjoying the scenery, riding around a little bit.”
Garland has already spent the past couple of offseasons in Los Angeles, so he’s familiar with the city. He can’t wait to put on a show for Clippers fans and possibly help them make the playoffs via the NBA Play-In Tournament.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Clippers Get Massive Darius Garland Injury Update and Return Timeline appeared first on Heavy Sports.