Cleveland, OH

Darius Garland Can Regain Confidence With Cavaliers Next Season

Published

2 years ago

May 24, 2024

Darius Garland Can Regain Confidence With Cavaliers Next Season

Changes are happening with the Cleveland Cavaliers as the head coaching search will begin shortly following the firing of J.B. Bickerstaff. According to President of Basketball Operations Koby Altman, there should be no expectation of a major change in the backcourt though.

Just one day after the Bickerstaff news, Altman took to the podium at the practice facility in Independence. When asked about the potential of splitting up Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland, his response seemed pretty clear.

“I don’t see why we should,” asserted Altman.

Sep 14, 2022; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers president of basketball operations Koby Altman speaks to the media during an introductory press conference at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports / David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

The good news for the Cavaliers is that things appear to be headed in the right direction in terms of retaining Donovan Mitchell long-term. This should ultimately be priority number one because Mitchell is a true superstar in a star driven league. The chances of winning big games significantly increases when Mitchell is on the floor.

As for his backcourt counterpart, Darius Garland, he is the one receiving backlash due to a down season. This past season, Garland averaged 18 points per game, 6.5 assists per game and shot 44.6 percent from the field. From three-point range, his average was 37.1 percent and from the free throw line, he made 83.4 percent.

Ultimately, these were still good numbers but not what fans have come to expect of Garland. Here are his numbers from the two prior seasons.

Apr 10, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland (10) reacts after a basket during the second half against the Memphis Grizzlies at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports / Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

While Garland’s production dropped this past season, it appeared like his confidence was shaken. Not only that, but he was lacking aggressiveness and the desire to drive to the basket. So what could be the root cause of a difficult year for him?

I would argue that the broken jaw was the main issue. Back on December 14th, the Cleveland Cavaliers were playing the Celtics in Boston. As Garland tried to drive at Kristaps Porzingis, the two collided and Garland sustained a fracture in his jaw.

Recovering from this injury was difficult because Garland’s mouth was wired shut for four weeks. He was then confined to a liquid diet and lost 12 pounds. That might not sound like a lot, but that is significant for an athlete.

When Garland’s jaw was finally healed and he was able to return to the court, he certainly looked more lean from a spectators vantage point. Garland worked hard during the season and reportedly gained ten of those pounds back. While he focused on his health, Garland’s scoring presence took a hit.

Prior to the injury, he was averaging 20.7 points per game, which is much closer to what he had been doing the two seasons prior. Taking a step back and evaluating the struggles Garland had to physically power through during the middle of the season, should help put things in perspective.

Athletes at all levels are invested in taking care of their bodies. For professional athletes, if they don’t take care of themselves, then that could be the difference between making money or not. Since entering the NBA, Garland has been working to add weight and muscle due to having a naturally leaner build. In the matter of one month, he lost weight and muscle quickly. That can mess with an athletes’ psyche. Perhaps feeling weaker and a concern about re-injury resulted in the lack of aggressiveness.

Now that the offseason is underway for the Cavaliers, Garland has an opportunity to first add some more weight and muscle and then regain his confidence as a shooter. Physically getting right could get his mind right. The aggressiveness and desire to drive to the lane may return in 2024.

Garland’s star-power is certainly not gone because he showed a flash back to 2022 All-Star Garland against the Boston Celtics in game four of this past series. Without Donovan Mitchell and Jarrett Allen and the Cavs down 2-1 in the series, Garland tried to carry the team to a win. Despite falling just short 109-102, the 24-year-old point guard had 30 points and seven assists.

May 13, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland (10) looks to pass beside Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) in the fourth quarter of game four of the second round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports / David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Clearly Koby Altman and the front office believes that player is still in there and that the Cavs can get consistent performances out of him in the future. As long as Mitchell does return to Cleveland and no team presents an outlandish offer for Garland to the Cavaliers, we should all expect to see this backcourt at least one more time. A confident and aggressive Garland paired with Donovan Mitchell under new leadership could be quite entertaining.

For those complaining about two smaller guards and that not being a championship winning formula, a little patience will be key. Altman expressed on Friday that he believes the data says otherwise.

If things fall apart this coming season, then perhaps next offseason the front office can explore dealing Garland. At minimum, if he can improve in 2024-25, then he can elevate his trade value.

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Cleveland, OH

Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Brooklyn Nets prediction, pick for Sunday 3/1/26

Published

1 hour ago

March 1, 2026

Press Room

Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Brooklyn Nets prediction, pick for Sunday 3/1/26

Cooper Albers takes you through his preview, prediction and pick for Sunday’s NBA matchup between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Brooklyn Nets.

Eastern Conference rivals close their regular-season series on Sunday, as the Brooklyn Nets host the Cleveland Cavaliers at Barclays Center.

The Cavaliers (37–24, 4th East) have dropped back-to-back games without Donovan Mitchell and James Harden, albeit against far superior competition. They’ll aim for the three-game sweep of Brooklyn without Mitchell, while Harden remains questionable.

The Nets (15–44, 14th East) are mired in a brutal seven-game losing streak, including a 112–84 thumping in Cleveland on February 19.

Here’s a look at the Injury Report:

Cleveland Cavaliers

Out: Donovan Mitchell (Groin), Max Strus (Foot), Dean Wade (Ankle)
Questionable: James Harden (Thumb), Keon Ellis (Finger)

Brooklyn Nets

Out: Egor Demin (Heel), Drake Powell (G-League Assignment)
Questionable: Nic Claxton (Thumb)

Tipoff is set for 3:30 p.m. ET. Cleveland enters as a hefty 11.5-point road favorite on DraftKings Sportsbook, while Brooklyn sits as a +410 underdog. The game’s total is set at 222.5 points.

Cavaliers vs. Nets Preview

Cleveland Cavaliers Preview

The Cavaliers went all in at the NBA trade deadline, sending Darius Garland to Los Angeles for superstar guard James Harden. The gamble seemingly paid off, as the former MVP has fit seamlessly into the lineup alongside Donovan Mitchell. Cleveland went 6–1 after Harden’s debut, its lone loss coming against the defending champs in Oklahoma City.

But the momentum quickly stalled when both Harden and Mitchell hit the sidelines to nurse injuries. Cleveland has dropped back-to-back games in the star duo’s absence against Milwaukee and Detroit. And while Harden is listed as questionable for Sunday’s contest with a thumb fracture in his non-shooting hand, Mitchell remains out with a groin strain.

The Cavs are just 2–4 without Mitchell this season. If Harden stays out, they’ll likely keep relying on their accomplished frontcourt of Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. Cleveland also features a solid veteran backup point guard in Dennis Schroder, along with a reliable sharpshooter in Sam Merrill.

Brooklyn Nets Preview

Brooklyn has won five games in 2026. Five.

Were any of these wins particularly impressive? Hardly. They beat a Nikola Jokic-less Denver Nuggets, the spiraling Chicago Bulls twice, the lowly Washington Wizards, and the tanking Utah Jazz.

The Nets rank dead last on both ends of the floor since January 1, disappointing even by their standards. They’ve lost seven games in a row, punctuated by a 37-point walloping in Boston on Friday night.

Michael Porter Jr. will continue trying to carry an increasingly strained offense without rookie standout Egor Demin. Brooklyn will also lean on its burgeoning frontcourt, comprising Noah Clowney and Nic Claxton (questionable).

Cavaliers vs. Nets Pick, Best Bet

Keep an eye on the injury report for this one. If Harden remains sidelined, Cleveland may lack the offensive firepower to pull away. But if the former MVP suits up, expect him and the Cavs to carve up Brooklyn’s porous defense and comfortably cover the 11.5-point spread.

Best Bet: Cleveland Cavaliers -11.5 (-110)

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Cleveland, OH

14-year-old girl shot on Cleveland’s East Side

Published

13 hours ago

March 1, 2026

Press Room

14-year-old girl shot on Cleveland’s East Side

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – A 14-year-old girl is in critical condition after being shot at a home Friday.

Police said around 7:15 p.m., officers from the Fifth District got a call for someone shot in the 1400 block of Lakeview Road.

When officers got on scene, a 14-year-old girl was found suffering from a gunshot wound.

Cleveland EMS took her to a nearby hospital, where she is listed in critical condition

A gun was recovered at the scene.

The incident remains under active investigation.

Police said additional information will be released as it becomes available.

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Cleveland, OH

Sokolowski’s University Inn co-owner dies

Published

1 day ago

February 28, 2026

Press Room

Sokolowski’s University Inn co-owner dies

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – Former co-owner of the legendary Cleveland restaurant Sokolowski’s University Inn has died.

Michael Sokolowski(WOIO)

65-year-old Michael Sokolowski passed away on Tuesday, according to his obituary.

Established in Tremont in 1923, Sokolowski’s University Inn was Cleveland’s oldest family-owned and operated restaurant. It was a recipient of the prestigious James Beard “American Classics” Award in 2014. It closed it doors for good in 2020.

Read Obit below

MICHAEL PAUL SOKOLOWSKI, age 65; passed away peacefully on February 24, 2026. Beloved husband of Patricia (nee McCue); loving father of George McDougall (Erika) and Sara; grandfather of Nicole and Emerson; Son of the late Bernard Sr. and Marion (nee Szwejkowski); dear brother of Bernard Jr. (Mary) and Mary Lou Balbier (Ronald); loving brother-in-law, uncle and dear friend of many. Mike was the co-owner of Sokolowski’s University Inn, a Cleveland landmark restaurant since 1923 and a James Beard Award winner. He played baseball and football for Cleveland Central Catholic and graduated from Otterbein University. Michael was a member of the Greater Cleveland Umpire Association, officiating many Cleveland Indians Fantasy Camps. He loved cooking and taught classes at the Polaris Career Center for their community culinary arts program. Mike loved music, attending many concerts, and playing drums in bands and for his parish church masses. Former President of the Cleveland Society of Poles and a member of the Knights of Columbus Trinity Council. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Cleveland Central Catholic High School, 6550 Baxter Ave., Cleveland, OH 44105.

Mass of Christian burial at St. John Cantius Catholic Church, 906 College Ave, Cleveland, Saturday, March 7, 2026 at 12 noon. Interment to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. Family and friends received at the church, Saturday from 10 a.m.-12 noon.

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