Career Timeline of Darius Garland: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Darius Garland built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Darius Garland is an American professional basketball player currently playing for the Los Angeles Clippers in the NBA. He played college basketball at Vanderbilt. A highly-touted recruit out of Brentwood Academy, where he won multiple state championships and Tennessee Mr. Basketball awards, Garland was a McDonald's All-American. He is the son of former professional basketball player Winston Garland. Darius Garland is a two-time NBA All-Star.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1993: Cavaliers' Last Season Without LeBron James

In 2022, Darius Garland helped the Cavaliers earn their first 50-win season since 1993 without LeBron James on the roster.

December 23, 2015: King of the Bluegrass Holiday Classic MVP

On December 23, 2015, as a sophomore, Darius Garland claimed most valuable player (MVP) honors at the King of the Bluegrass Holiday Classic, after scoring 23 points versus Fairdale High School in the title game.

March 2017: Naismith Trophy High School All-America Honorable Mention

In March 2017, Darius Garland garnered Naismith Trophy High School All-America honorable mention recognition.

November 13, 2017: Committed to Vanderbilt

On November 13, 2017, Darius Garland committed to play college basketball for Vanderbilt.

March 2018: Named Gatorade Tennessee Player of the Year

In March 2018, Darius Garland was named Gatorade Tennessee Player of the Year and a semifinalist for the Naismith Trophy. On March 28, Garland recorded a game-high 11 assists at the 2018 McDonald's All-American Game.

November 6, 2018: First College Game

On November 6, 2018, in his first college game against Winthrop, Darius Garland led all scorers with 24 points.

2018: Ranked Best Point Guard

In 2018, during his fourth season with Brentwood Academy, Darius Garland was ranked as the best point guard in the 2018 class by recruiting service 247Sports.

January 22, 2019: Left Vanderbilt

On January 22, 2019, Darius Garland announced that he would leave Vanderbilt to recover from his injury and prepare for the 2019 NBA draft.

July 3, 2019: Signed with Cavaliers

On July 3, 2019, Darius Garland signed his rookie scale contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

October 23, 2019: NBA Debut

On October 23, 2019, Darius Garland made his debut in the NBA, starting in an 85–94 loss to the Orlando Magic with eight points, two rebounds, five assists and a steal. Garland made history during this game by becoming the first player born in the 2000s to make his NBA debut.

December 23, 2020: Season Debut for Cavaliers

On December 23, 2020, Darius Garland made his season debut for the Cavaliers, recording 22 points, six rebounds and six assists in a 121–114 win over the Charlotte Hornets.

April 5, 2021: Career-High Points

On April 5, 2021, Darius Garland scored a then career-high 37 points, along with seven assists in a 125–101 win over the San Antonio Spurs.

January 12, 2022: First Career Triple-Double

On January 12, 2022, Darius Garland recorded his first career triple-double, putting up 11 points, 10 rebounds, and a then career-high 15 assists, in a 111–91 win over the Utah Jazz.

July 9, 2022: Signed Rookie Extension with Cavaliers

On July 9, 2022, Darius Garland signed a five-year, $231M designated rookie extension with the Cavaliers.

2022: Named NBA All-Star

In 2022, Darius Garland was named to his first NBA All-Star Game and finished third in voting for the NBA's Most Improved Player award the same year.

January 30, 2025: Named All-Star Reserve

On January 30, 2025, Darius Garland was named as reserve for the 2025 NBA All-Star Game, his second selection.

February 5, 2025: Game-Winning Shot

On February 5, 2025, Darius Garland recorded 25 points, five assists and hit a 31-foot 3-pointer at the buzzer to give the Cleveland Cavaliers a 118–115 win over the Detroit Pistons.