Kenny Atkinson says Darius Garland could probably play in NFL: ‘You don’t know these guys have these talents’

Before the Cleveland Cavaliers won their 16th game in a row to set a new franchise milestone against the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday, the team practiced at Vanderbilt University on Thursday and decided to play some football at the school’s stadium.

Allegedly, Cavaliers players and coaches faced off in a game of football, with the players coming out on top. Cavs head coach Kenny Atkinson spoke highly of what he saw on the field from a number of his players and said that star guard Darius Garland could probably play in the NFL.

“It was great seeing who can play football, and who can’t, on both sides,” Atkinson said. “Darius Garland can probably play in the NFL. … Max [Strus], incredible. Sam Merrill…you don’t know these guys have these talents.”

A video on the team’s official X account depicted Garland making an impressive catch.

Atkinson has had the Cavaliers partake in team-building activities since before the 2024-25 regular season even started. Back in early October, he shared that the Cavaliers spent time bonding over dinner by the ocean in addition to other activities. Cleveland was still amid training camp at IMG Academy at that time.

It would be hard to argue against Atkinson’s philosophy of having his squad participate in activities to build chemistry. The Cavaliers have looked like a well-oiled machine this season and own the NBA’s best record at 56-10.

Folks connected to the team have also spoken about just how tight-knit of a group the Cavs are. Big man Jarrett Allen said ahead of the Feb. 6 trade deadline that the Cavaliers are “all close to each other” and seemed worried that a trade might disrupt the chemistry in the locker room. A trade did later take place, but the team evidently remains close.

Additionally, Atkinson claimed earlier on in the season that the Cavaliers “enjoy making fun of each other,” which he said a good locker room usually does.

Garland is an incredible athlete, but for the Cavaliers’ sake, the team likely would not want him playing in the NFL considering he’s been an invaluable part of the team’s success this season. He’s leading the way for Cleveland in assists per game and is also the team’s second-leading scorer.