“They cannot contend to win the East" - Stan Van Gundy stresses how vital Darius Garland is for Cleveland's championship chances

Although the Cleveland Cavaliers are not currently the  No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference during the early stages of the 2025-26 season, it is evident that they are performing with greater intensity and intent. While many believe Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley are their two catalysts on both ends of the floor, Stan Van Gundy firmly believes that it is Darius Garland who is the most important piece for them to reach their championship ceiling, as he feels the two-time All-Star is vital for the Cavs to establish their identity.

Van Gundy on Garland’s importance for the Cavs

Garland has been far from his healthiest at the start of the 2025-26 season, as evidenced by his limited appearances for the team so far. Naturally, for him to set himself into rhythm has been a tough ask; on the other hand, players like Donovan Mitchell are averaging over 30 points per game, while Mobley is contributing 8.8 rebounds and 1.6 blocks. That is why most view the latter two as the team’s catalysts.

However, Van Gundy emphasized that without Garland, Cleveland’s competitiveness within the Eastern Conference becomes significantly limited. His blend of playmaking, scoring ability and control of tempo provides the team a different edge to win games.

“They can be a pretty good team without him, which they’ve proven early in the year. But they cannot contend to win the East. This is a team with championship aspirations. No chance without him. They just don’t have enough help for Donovan Mitchell without him,” Gundy said in a recent interview. “But with Garland, with Mitchell and with Mobley, and then with what they have around them, this is a very VERY tough team.”

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The Cavaliers need to be healthy and at their best

To the Cavs’ benefit, the roster does offer support in other areas. For instance, DeAndre Hunter is easily able to carry the scoring load, while Lonzo Ball has emerged as a dependable ball handler who facilitates offensive flow and helps incorporate teammates effectively. Nonetheless, Garland remains the singular player who can excel in several capacities - scoring game-high points, taking over in clutch moments and making game-winning defensive plays on the perimeter.

That is why when Garland was injured and inconsistent during the team’s second-round series against the Indiana Pacers last season, they simply could never take control. Put simply, when the team was far from full strength, their struggles were apparent, underscoring the importance of Garland and the rest of the roster being healthy if the Cavaliers intend to reach the conference finals or advance even further this season.

Moreover, considering the Cavaliers are 4-1 with Garland this season and their only loss came against the Miami Heat by two points, it goes to show how Cleveland is much more comfortable taking games deep when Garland is on the floor. This is why SVG believes the shifty guard is this team’s true X-factor for the Larry O’Brien trophy.

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This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Nov 24, 2025, where it first appeared in the Latest News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.