Two-time NBA All-Star Darius Garland says he feels “great” following toe surgery in June, but the Cleveland Cavaliers are not planning on him being ready when training camp opens this fall.

Those are pretty plainly put statements from Atkinson, and ones that demonstrate just how serious the injury to Garland was and how methodical his recover will be as a result. The Cavs may be relying on Lonzo Ball and Craig Porter Jr. out of the gate, as well as some Donovan Mitchell point guard minutes until Garland is fully ready to go.

In the late hours of May 13, following the Cavs’ stinging loss to the Indiana Pacers in the second round of the NBA playoffs, All-Star point guard Darius Garland slowly and gingerly walked out of Rocket Arena toward an uncertain summer.