Darius Garland discusses his upbringing, the Cavs' historic start to the season, and the challenges he's overcome throughout his career.
A key piece to the Cleveland Cavaliers’ historic 2024-25 season, Darius Garland brings much more to the squad than just his 20.7 ppg and 6.7 apg. It’s his swagger and leadership that have helped fuel the No. 1 team in the East.
The 25-year-old guard breaks down his role on the Cavaliers and gives an inside look into his NBA journey on the first episode of “Pass The Rock: Season 3”, which is available to stream on the NBA App. The NBA Entertainment original provides fans with all-access coverage into the lives of the game’s youngest stars in their on and off-court endeavors.
“It’s your aura, I believe. That’s what the kids call it now,” Garland said on the latest episode. “I’m a vibe creator … ball-dominant, I like to get my teammates involved.”
On any given night, you can see Garland’s masterful handles and passing ability on full display. These skills have been heightened by the chemistry he’s built with his teammates.
“We have a lot of characters on this team, it’s very similar to my family,” Garland said. “They’re all competitors, they all want to win. I always say our vibes are immaculate in Cleveland.”
Perhaps Garland’s father, Winston Garland, could be seen as a source of the talent and team-building skills seen in the Cavaliers’ All-Star.
A seven-year NBA veteran, Winston had his fair share of buckets in the league, averaging over 9 ppg during his career. His greatest contribution, though, was his role as a loving father.
“He’s my best friend. He’s really my rock, like I talk to him every day, it doesn’t even have to be about basketball,” Garland said about his father.
Last season in December, Garland suffered a fractured jaw which sidelined him for six weeks.
“I can’t eat, can’t talk, can’t do anything, can’t smile, something I love to do,” Garland said during the recovery process, which is documented on the latest episode.
With his family behind him and his mother’s famous phrase “this too shall pass,” Garland bounced back this season.
Now in the 2024-25 season, Garland is an integral part of a Cavaliers squad that sits at the top of the East with eyes set on bringing Cleveland their first championship trophy since 2016.
The star-studded lineup for Season 3 of the NBA Original “Pass the Rock” on the NBA App includes Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Dončić, Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Celtics forward Jayson Tatum, Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland and Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams.
