CLEVELAND — With the NBA All-Star Weekend underway, the legends of the league have descended upon Cleveland.
That includes Hall of Fame point guard Magic Johnson, who headlined a ceremony at Cleveland's Cudell Recreation Center, where the NBA dedicated its 2,000th Live, Learn, or Play center on Friday afternoon.
Also attending the event -- along with Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb, Hall of Fame center Dikembe Mutombo and Cleveland Cavaliers guard Collin Sexton -- was one of Cleveland's two All-Stars this weekend, point guard Darius Garland. And a video captured by the Cavs' social media team at the event captured Johnson -- a three-time MVP, 12-time All-Star and 5-time NBA champion in his own right -- praising Cleveland's success this season while speaking with Garland.
"Y'all gone have a long season," Johnson tells Garland in the clip. "And y'all got everything. That's the crazy thing. Every man is so young. That's what I like. Got a chance to keep this thing rolling."
Johnson's comments come as the Cavs enter the All-Star break tied for the third-best record in the Eastern Conference at 35-23. The 22-year-old Garland has been one of the biggest reasons for Cleveland's resurgence, averaging team-highs of 20.3 points and eight assists.
As a part of the All-Star festivities, Garland will play for Team Cavs in Saturday night's Skills Competition before joining Cleveland center Jarrett Allen on Team LeBron in Sunday night's All-Star Game. Johnson, meanwhile, will be one of the players honored at halftime of Sunday's exhibition as the league pays tribute to its 75th Anniversary Team.