Darius Garland revealed he was not surprised by his departure from the Cleveland Cavaliers, telling Marc J. Spears of Andscape that he sensed last summer his time with the franchise was nearing an end.
The 24-year-old guard, shipped to the Los Angeles Clippers this season, pointed to two primary factors: a nagging toe injury and the club’s push to contend immediately.
Garland appeared in only 26 games because of the toe issue, creating uncertainty within the organization about his availability. “They weren’t sure I’d be ready,” he said, while adding that he remains confident in his recovery.
Cleveland’s front office also sought additional postseason experience. Garland acknowledged that management believed veteran guard James Harden could better serve the Cavaliers’ win-now approach. “He has playoff experience and All-Star numbers,” Garland noted. “They want to win right now, and I guess I really wasn’t part of the plan.”
Despite the change, Garland described his feelings as realistic rather than bitter, accepting that roster calculations led to the decision. The success of Cleveland’s strategy will be evaluated during the upcoming playoff run.
Source: Hoops Wire
