Boardroom spoke with the Cavaliers guard about his New Balance partnership, community work, and the mindset that’s driving him to show up, on and off the court.
Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Darius Garland has always stood out for more than his quick handle and smooth jumper.
Since being drafted fifth overall in 2019, he’s grown into one of the NBA’s most dynamic guards — but off the court, his evolution is just as impressive. Garland’s world is built on family, creativity, and community, and nowhere is that clearer than in his growing relationship with New Balance.
Garland was recently in New York City following the Cavs’ matchup against the Knicks, but he didn’t stay for your typical media junket or brand dinner. Instead, he spent an afternoon at the Masaryk Gym on the Lower East Side — the home of a community-driven partnership between New Balance and Aimé Leon Dore — hosting basketball drills and scrimmages with local kids from the SONNY Youth Club. For Garland, the visit wasn’t about cameras or headlines. It was about showing up the same way he does for his city back home.
“I used to go to basketball camps like this, so I remember,” Garland told Boardroom in between drills at the Masaryk Gym. “When people used to come talk to us, I really locked in and listened to what they had to say. Seeing all the kids up here working hard in a hot gym, I know they’re gonna go far.”
Why New Balance Fits
Garland signed with New Balance in 2023, a move that felt more like an alignment of values than a transaction. The brand’s basketball resurgence has been built on players who care as much about storytelling and substance as they do about stats — athletes like Kawhi Leonard, Tyrese Maxey, and now Garland, whose calm, cerebral approach to the game mirrors the brand’s understated cool.
“It was super close-knit,” he said of what drew him in. “A close-knit family part is really huge for me. They really pay attention to details and really listen to what we have to say. I think that’s totally different than other brands.”
Garland’s first introduction to the brand came years before his pro debut. He even recalls his first pair of New Balance sneakers.
“The 990s — they were super comfortable,” Garland said. “I wore them every day for a while. Even before, I was manifesting.”
That long-standing comfort evolved into a creative partnership. His current on-court shoe, the New Balance Hesi Low v2, is designed to be light, responsive, and sleek. Garland loves its balance of function and flair, and he’s already put his personal touch on his own player edition.
Garland lit up as he talked about the design process behind his own player edition sneaker. For him, it wasn’t just about picking colors or materials; it was about storytelling. He described the experience as “different” and “fun,” a creative outlet that allowed him to blend performance with personal meaning. Every choice, from the color palette to the subtle details, ties back to his family and the things he loves most. It’s less about flash and more about connection — a reflection of who he is both on and off the court.
Off the court, Garland’s style has evolved into something more effortless and comfort-focused — a natural extension of his personality and his partnership with New Balance. He’s traded in the flashier fits for relaxed sweatsuits and clean essentials that fit seamlessly into his routine. The brand’s signature blend of comfort, quality, and understated design mirrors his own approach to fashion: confident, versatile, and grounded in authenticity rather than attention.
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Giving Back On and Off the Court
New Balance’s collaboration with Aimé Leon Dore at Masaryk Gym is a perfect example of how the brand’s values extend beyond performance. Together, they transformed the historic Lower East Side gym into a space where young New Yorkers can play, learn, and belong; a true intersection of basketball and creativity. Instead of releasing their collaborative sneakers commercially, the two brands chose to donate pairs and apparel to local youth teams, reinforcing their shared commitment to access, inclusion, and opportunity.
It’s the kind of initiative that resonates deeply with Garland.
His commitment to community runs far deeper than an afternoon of drills with the kids; it’s a central part of who he is. Through his philanthropic arm, the Darius Garland Foundation, he’s spent years investing in education and youth mentorship, using basketball as a bridge to something greater. Whether it’s a gym in New York or a classroom in Cleveland, his message stays the same: showing up matters.
“[I’m] just trying to be a positive light and a good role model,” he said. “They probably have dreams of coming to the NBA, so I just try to help them build their dreams and lead them in the right direction.”
That same philosophy drives his work back home, including his Perfect 10 Attendance Program, which rewards Cleveland students for maintaining consistent attendance in school. Garland often says that discipline off the court translates directly to success on it, and he wants young people to feel that same sense of pride and purpose in their own efforts.
Garland’s foundation launched the program in partnership with Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb and the Cleveland Metropolitan School District.
Inspired by his jersey number, the program rewards students who maintain perfect attendance throughout the school year. Those who stay consistent earn experiences and prizes along the way — from Cavaliers game tickets to a pizza party for the school with the highest attendance rate. At the end of the year, two standout students will each receive a $5,000 scholarship, underscoring the program’s focus on discipline and perseverance both in and out of the classroom.
The initiative kicked off with a pep rally at James Ford Rhodes High School, where Garland spoke directly to students about commitment and consistency, traits that have defined his own journey from Gary, Indiana, to NBA stardom.
More than a Game
When the drills end and the cameras turn off, Garland’s energy doesn’t fade; it just shifts.
Like many players of his generation, his lifestyle extends far beyond the basketball court. He’s a gamer and a creative. Call of Duty is his game of choice on the PS5. And while his competitive instincts don’t stop when the console turns on, there’s a lightness to the way he moves through life.
Also, if you didn’t know, he loves to dance.
“I can dance,” he said with a shy grin. “I can sing too, but I like to do it by myself.”
It’s this mix of intensity and authenticity that makes Garland such a compelling figure in today’s NBA. He’s not trying to fit an archetype or a brand mold; he’s shaping his own lane, one built on humility, humor, and heart. Whether he’s repping New Balance on the court, teaching kids the value of consistency, or vibing to music on off days, Garland’s focus remains the same: build something bigger than himself.
For Garland, whether it’s sneakers, school, or sports, it’s all about connection, the kind that lasts long after the buzzer sounds.
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