Following returns from injury, stars steal the spotlight to prove they are as good, if not better, than before, and that a recurrence will not take place. These high levels of physical pressure can sometimes be crushing to play under, and only worsen problems, which is partly why the Cleveland Cavaliers simply gave up on Darius Garland; their goal was to avoid disaster as he returns from lingering toe issues that had him sidelined for what feels like the hundredth time, so they let the LA Clippers deal with it.
In LA, Garland will have a chip on his shoulder to prove the Cavaliers wrong for waving the white flag, but the real difficulty is that his body cannot sustain the weight of being forced to shine when the eyes are on him. He has repeatedly come back and ended up at square one: in street clothes.
Therefore, Cleveland made the obvious decision to trade Garland, wishing LA the best in finding a way for him to stay consistently healthy, which they could not.
Darius Garland may crumble right in front of our very eyes
To give Darius Garland the best chance at succeeding, the training staff, and ultimately the fanbase, will have to be ridiculously patient with him. It is unclear, as of now, when his debut will be, which is unfortunate, as the LA Clippers need his playmaking in the starting lineup.
Furthermore, the Clippers will provide him with the best medicine, most effective ramp-up techniques, the utmost attention, and an all-world level of physical therapy. They will execute with every ounce of precaution to maximize his prime, which has not arrived.
However, even after receiving the above and beyond from LA, it may not be enough. He could end up carrying the trends he followed on the Cleveland Cavaliers to the Clippers, and there is nothing that can be done about it.
This might be the case because the Cavaliers already made a strong effort with Garland. Before shipping off a lottery pick who once heard his name in the All-Star announcements, they went the nine yards and implemented every step the Clippers assume will yield positive results.
To say the least, Cleveland came up short, and they are not to blame. It is the unfortunate aspect of the game, as injuries are unpredictable, yet Garland’s health is a massive red flag that LA will wish they considered a bit more.
That said, the Cavaliers should certainly consider themselves lucky for obtaining James Harden. Garland will begin his time with the Clippers trying to prove that Cleveland messed up, but it could backfire and cause additional trouble.