INDIANAPOLIS — Cavs swingman Max Strus could be sidelined until the mid-February All-Star break.
Strus, who underwent surgery to repair a Jones fracture on his left foot in late August, had a recent evaluation with doctors that showed more time would be required for the fracture to fully heal. He is scheduled for a follow-up meeting with the Cavaliers’ medical staff and Dr. David Porter, who performed the procedure, at some point within the next four weeks.
The next steps in his recovery will be determined after that evaluation — a return-to-play timeline that is longer than originally anticipated, one that has him in line to miss the unofficial first half of the regular season.
Shortly after the operation on Aug 26, the Cavs announced that Strus was expected to resume basketball activities in approximately three to four months — a mark that has now passed.
While Strus has been conducting individual workouts, he has not yet started practicing with the team. A full practice, which is now weeks away, is viewed as one of the final steps before receiving medical clearance. A source told cleveland.com that the Cavs will continue to be cautious, not willing to rush a return despite their continued uneven play. Especially since it is considered a tricky injury, even more so for a movement-based player.
This is the second consecutive season Strus has missed the early months because of injury. He sat out the first 27 games in 2024-25 because of an ankle issue and has already missed 37 thus far.
The Cavs have felt his absence, typically pointing to an unquantifiable offensive impact — movement, cutting, shooting, spacing and gravity. And given Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson’s recent starting lineup change — putting De’Andre Hunter in a reserve role — Strus is expected to reclaim his starting small forward job, even if not right away because of minute restrictions.
Since joining Cleveland as an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2023, Strus has appeared in 120 games, averaging 11.0 points, 4.6 rebounds and 3.7 assists while shooting 42.6% from the field and 36.4% from 3-point range. With him on the court last season, the Cavs outscored opponents by 7.9 points per 100 possessions.