The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Episode Summary: The Draymond Green Show w/Baron Davis: Darius Garland on Cavaliers NBA Title Chase, Donovan Mitchell, D-Rose Influence

Release Date: January 20, 2025

In this engaging episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, hosts Baron Davis and Darius Garland team up with Draymond Green to delve deep into the Cleveland Cavaliers' quest for their first NBA title since 2016. The conversation navigates through Garland's impressive season performance, the synergy with Donovan Mitchell, the strategic influence of Coach Kenny Atkinson, and the inspirational impact of Derrick Rose on Garland's career.

1. Community Support and Opening Remarks [02:09 - 05:02]

The episode begins with a heartfelt message addressing the ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles. Both hosts express their solidarity with those affected, emphasizing the importance of community and unity.

Darius Garland [02:35]:

"We wanted to reach out from the show and send our heartfelt message to everybody in LA going through the fires."

Baron Davis [03:50]:

"We most definitely appreciate y'all. And also all the other fire departments that came from outside places to help fight those fires."

2. Light-Hearted Moments and Personal Anecdotes [05:02 - 08:52]

The conversation takes a humorous turn as Baron Davis comments on Garland's new hairstyle, leading to an amusing exchange about trying to differentiate himself from Stephen A. Smith.

Baron Davis [05:02]:

"I'm not sure why you got the. Is that the Elwood hoodie?"

Darius Garland [05:34]:

"Yeah. When I show up in training camp, I'm out of headband everything. The baggy shorts."

Baron Davis [06:32]:

"So is it the hair? Is the hair on to me? Are y'all scared of the judge?"

3. Garland's Stellar Performance and All-Star Aspirations [08:58 - 43:02]

The core of the discussion revolves around Garland's outstanding performance this season. Averaging 21 points on nearly 50% shooting, Garland is a strong contender for multiple All-Star selections. The hosts passionately advocate for his inclusion, highlighting his consistency and impact on the team.

Baron Davis [09:58]:

"He's averaging 21 points on 50% from the field at that size says a lot. So we gonna get into this nonetheless."

Darius Garland [10:11]:

"I think it's cool just having the stats and like a great field goal percentage."

Baron Davis [16:47]:

"And moving on, I love that you called this your revenge season because I know the player that you are..."

Garland discusses his motivation behind calling this his "revenge season," attributing it to overcoming injuries and personal challenges.

Darius Garland [14:26]:

"A lot of people doubted me last year... most importantly, the jaw was detrimental to me."

4. Team Dynamics and Coaching Influence [43:32 - 56:15]

A significant portion of the episode focuses on the Cavaliers' team dynamics and the pivotal role of Coach Kenny Atkinson. Garland and Green commend Atkinson's ability to blend analytics with player relationships, fostering a collaborative and high-performing environment.

Draymond Green [48:28]:

"Building that confidence in everybody... he told me straight up, like, I need you to go run a team and go do what you do."

Darius Garland [53:21]:

"Me and Kenny, like, we really like this right now. Like, no bs. It's my dog."

The hosts elaborate on how Atkinson's strategies have optimized players' strengths, particularly highlighting Evan Mobley's improved shooting and Donovan Mitchell's adjusted role to complement Garland's playmaking.

5. Influence of Derrick Rose [60:16 - 62:18]

Garland reflects on the profound influence Derrick Rose has had on his development as a player. Drawing parallels between their playing styles, Garland admires Rose's relentlessness and ability to navigate the paint with agility.

Darius Garland [60:47]:

"His handle, his quickness, and just getting to the paint, shooting a floater using his athleticism, which I don't have."

Draymond Green [61:22]:

"As a young kid, just watching him on a 90 night basis, it was super cool to see the youngest MVP in the league."

6. Closing Thoughts and Future Outlook [62:40 - 71:20]

As the episode wraps up, the hosts discuss the Cavaliers' prospects in the NBA playoffs. With a deep and versatile roster, Garland expresses optimism about the team's chances, attributing success to their depth, defensive prowess, and strategic execution.

Draymond Green [64:55]:

"We've been in some of those important games now, too. We know what the physicality is like, and we know what it's like in that last six minutes of a close game in a playoff series."

Baron Davis [71:10]:

"Keep staying in that weight room, man. The weight room is the key to success, bro."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Darius Garland [05:34]: "Yeah. When I show up in training camp, I'm out of headband everything."

• Baron Davis [06:32]: "So is it the hair? Is the hair on to me? Are y'all scared of the judge?"

• Baron Davis [09:58]: "He's averaging 21 points on 50% from the field at that size says a lot."

• Darius Garland [14:26]: "A lot of people doubted me last year... most importantly, the jaw was detrimental to me."

• Draymond Green [48:28]: "Building that confidence in everybody... he told me straight up, like, I need you to go run a team and go do what you do."

• Darius Garland [60:47]: "His handle, his quickness, and just getting to the paint, shooting a floater using his athleticism, which I don't have."

• Draymond Green [64:55]: "We've been in some of those important games now, too. We know what the physicality is like."

Conclusion

This episode offers a comprehensive look into Darius Garland's journey and the Cleveland Cavaliers' strategic advancements under Coach Kenny Atkinson. Through personal anecdotes, statistical achievements, and team dynamics, the conversation underscores the Cavaliers' determination and potential to secure an NBA championship. Listeners gain valuable insights into Garland's mindset, the team's collaborative efforts, and the inspirational figures shaping their path to success.