He (Garland) mentioned in his Clippers introduction that he is “back on the court, working out, doing all the things I love to do. Just waiting on the green light — I’m ready to hoop.” (Lawrence) Frank (Clippers President of Basketball Operations) said that the Clippers will change Garland’s injury designation to reflect that the right foot toe sprain that has kept him out for nearly four weeks has healed, while Garland’s still-sore, surgically repaired left foot toe will keep him out indefinitely.
“We are going to manage this correctly, OK?” Frank said. “We are not gonna skip any steps. Because we think the short-term investment will lead to long-term rewards. … We’re gonna get it right and take as long as it takes. But we’re very confident that by taking the time now, it’s gonna give him a long runway. He’s only 26, and we want to see him playing at a high level for a long time.”