After his trade to Los Angeles, point guard Darius Garland will look to keep the same momentum. How does he fit with his new team?
New LA Clippers PG Darius Garland to Wear No. 7
This week, the Los Angeles Clippers shipped future Hall of Fame guard James Harden to the Cleveland Cavaliers. After five-plus seasons, the Cleveland Cavaliers made the move, possibly in order to compete in the Eastern Conference.
Meanwhile, Garland heads to a team that currently sits ninth in the Western Conference with a record of 23-27. Tonight, the Clippers head to Sacramento to play the Kings. Garland will suit up, wearing No. 7.
NBA numerologist Etienne Catalan published on X, “Darius Garland (@dariusgarland22) will wear No. 7 for the #Clippers. Number last worn by Ray J Dennis in 2025. #NBA”
In Cleveland, Garland played 408 games wearing No. 10. Currently, veteran shooting guard Bogdanović wears No. 10. Whether Garland and Bogdanović can work out a deal for the number remains to be seen.
Darius Garland (@dariusgarland22) will wear No. 7 for the #Clippers. Number last worn by RayJ Dennis in 2025. #NBA pic.twitter.com/9hvCX26gsZ
— Etienne Catalan (@EtienneCatalan) February 6, 2026
With the Cavaliers, the 26-year-old played a supporting role. Donovan Mitchell serves not only as the team’s leader but also as its leading scorer. Los Angeles provides a different scenario. While Mitchell provided the outside scoring as a guard, veteran Kawhi Leonard also wants to attack the midrange, possibly providing better spacing for the offense.
Garland entered the draft pool after just five games at Vanderbilt. On November 23, 2018, against Kent State, Garland played 2 minutes before leaving with a meniscus injury. He never suited up for the Commodores again, leaving school to prepare for the 2019 NBA Draft. The Cavaliers selected him with the fifth-overall pick.
During his tenure in Cleveland, Garland averaged 18.8 points and 6.7 assists per game. Also, he shot 45.3% from the field, 38.6% from the three-point line, and 86.7% from the line. A two-time All-Star, Garland will become the instant starter.
Outside of Leonard, the Clippers have a veteran-based team. No player under the age of 27 plays 25 minutes per game. Signed through the end of 2027, Garland’s contract will pay him in excess of $87 million. As a result, the veteran-heavy Clippers may need to alter their style to accommodate their new starter.
After Sacramento, the Garland and the Clippers play the Minnesota Timberwolves before a home/away against the Houston Rockets. With Garland leading the offense, how much different will the Clippers look without Harden?
