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 for Vanderbilt. He is the son of former professional basketball player Winston Garland. He attended Brentwood Academy, achieving significant success, including multiple state championships and Tennessee Mr. Basketball awards. A five-star recruit, Garland was a McDonald's All-American. He is a two-time NBA All-Star, solidifying his status as a prominent player in the league.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1993: Cavaliers First 50-Win Season Since 1993 Without LeBron

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

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

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

November 13, 2017: Committed to Vanderbilt

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

November 6, 2018: First college game against Winthrop

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 the 2018 Class

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: Left Vanderbilt to Prepare for NBA Draft

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 the 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 loss to the Orlando Magic. He also became the first player born in the 2000s to make his NBA debut on this day.

December 23, 2020: Season Debut for the 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 37 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, putting up 11 points, 10 rebounds, and 15 assists, in a 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 Cleveland 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.

January 30, 2025: Named Reserve for 2025 NBA All-Star Game

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 Buzzer Beater Against Detroit Pistons

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.