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 Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA. Prior to his NBA career, he played college basketball for Vanderbilt. A highly-regarded prospect, Garland attended Brentwood Academy, where he achieved significant success, including four state championships and three Tennessee Mr. Basketball awards. He was a five-star recruit and McDonald's All-American. He has been selected as an NBA All-Star twice.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

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

On December 23, 2015, Darius Garland, as a sophomore, earned the MVP award at the King of the Bluegrass Holiday Classic after scoring 23 points against Fairdale High School.

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

In March 2017, Darius Garland received Naismith Trophy High School All-America honorable mention recognition, averaging 23.4 points per game and leading his team to a 30-2 record and state championship.

November 13, 2017: Committed to Vanderbilt

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

March 2018: 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. He also recorded 11 assists at the McDonald's All-American Game.

November 6, 2018: First College Game

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

2018: Ranked Best Point Guard

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

2018: Ranked Top Point Guard and McDonald's All-American

In 2018, Darius Garland was ranked among the best point guards in the 2018 class and was named a McDonald's All-American during his time at Brentwood Academy.

January 22, 2019: Left Vanderbilt to Prepare for NBA Draft

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

July 3, 2019: Signed Rookie Contract 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 NBA debut for the Cleveland Cavaliers in a game against the Orlando Magic, 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 debuted for the Cavaliers, recording 22 points in a win over the Charlotte Hornets.

April 5, 2021: Career-High 37 Points

On April 5, 2021, Darius Garland scored a career-high 37 points in a 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 with 11 points, 10 rebounds, and 15 assists in a win against the Utah Jazz.

July 9, 2022: Signed Rookie Extension with the Cavaliers

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

2022: First NBA All-Star Game Selection

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.

January 30, 2025: Named All-Star Reserve

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

February 5, 2025: Game-Winning 3-Pointer

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