This Day In Cavs History: Darius Garland’s NBA Debut
Whether they’ve been good or bad, there have been many significant events in the 53-year existence of the Cleveland Cavaliers. Throughout the 2023-24 NBA season, Spencer Davies will turn back the clock to milestone moments and important dates in the franchise's past with “This Day In Cavs History.”
Four years ago, a 19-year-old Darius Garland made his NBA debut for the Cavs against the Orlando Magic on the road. There was a lot of intrigue coming into this game around the 2019 fifth overall draft pick as a rookie, as he’d only suited up for four games in college with the Vanderbilt Commodores. He’d also be playing alongside second-year guard Collin Sexton.
In 31 minutes of action, Garland registered eight points, five assists, two rebounds and a steal. He also committed three turnovers. The Cavs lost their season opener in Orlando that year by a final score of 94-85.
Oct 23, 2019; Orlando, FL, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland (10) brings the ball down court against the Orlando Magic during the first quarter at Amway Center.
Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Garland showcased flashes of what we now know about his long range and his shifty handle. He scored the first points of his career on a dribble handoff from Kevin Love on the right wing via a 29-foot three. He would knock down another triple later in the game with a nasty stepback that froze Al-Farouq Aminu.
Playing with Tristan Thompson in his first Cleveland stint, Garland snaked a screen and found the big man for an alley oop. In a similar set, the rookie maestro pinned Evan Fournier to his back, worked inside and finished a beautiful floater over the top of Nikola Vucevic.
In his first season as a pro, Garland averaged 12.3 points, 3.9 assists and 1.9 rebounds per contest on .401/.355/.855 shooting splits across 59 total games.
Of course, as we know, Garland would become an All-Star with the Cavs just a few years later and earn a rookie maximum contract extension in the process as the team’s lead floor general.
