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. He played college basketball at Vanderbilt University. A highly-rated prospect out of Brentwood Academy, where he won multiple state championships and individual accolades, Garland was a five-star recruit and McDonald's All-American. He has since become a two-time NBA All-Star, demonstrating his impact and skill at the professional level.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1993: Cavaliers Last 50-Win Season Without LeBron

In 2022, Darius Garland helped the Cavaliers achieve 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 was named the MVP at the King of the Bluegrass Holiday Classic after scoring 23 points in the title game against Fairdale High School.

November 6, 2018: College Debut

On November 6, 2018, Darius Garland made his college debut 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 the best point guard in the 2018 class by recruiting service 247Sports.

January 22, 2019: Leaving 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 Cleveland 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. He became 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 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 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 over the Utah Jazz.

July 9, 2022: Signed Rookie Extension

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

2022: 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 NBA All-Star Reserve

On January 30, 2025, Darius Garland was named as a 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.