The Cleveland Cavaliers have rushed out to an impressive 21-4 record to begin the 2024-25 NBA campaign. As a result, the Cavs sit in first place in the Eastern Conference and they have the best record in the NBA amid a shocking start. To make things even more impressive, the Cavs have done that without Max Strus.
The 28-year-old suffered an ankle sprain in October and has yet to suit up for the Cavs this season. However, the Cavs got good news on Wednesday as it was reported that Strus will make his season debut on Friday against the Washington Wizards, per Shams Charania of ESPN.
“Cleveland Cavaliers guard Max Strus is expected to make his season debut on Friday against the Washington Wizards, sources tell ESPN. Strus suffered an ankle sprain in mid-October. He started in all 70 games played and ranked second on the Cavs in plus-minus last season.”
Strus played in 70 games for the Cavs and was a full-time starter, so his return is a massive boost. In 2023-24, Strus averaged a career-high 12.2 PPG with 4.8 rebounds and 4.0 assists. It was also Strus’ first season with the Cavs after spending three years with the Miami Heat.
In the 2023 offseason, Strus inked a massive four-year, $63 million deal via a sign-and-trade between the Cavs and Heat. So far, the deal has worked out incredibly well for the Cavs, and Strus even played a big role in the postseason.
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The Cavs’ four-game winning streak ended on Sunday against the Heat, Strus’ former team, but they will look to respond with the next two games coming aginst the Wizards and then the Brooklyn Nets.
Nonetheless, even with the Cavs’ impressive start to this season, being able to get Strus back on the court is a huge boost as they try and stay on top of the Eastern Conference.