Max Strus
It’s been two years in a row for the Cleveland Cavaliers having to play a long stretch without their starting small forward. Whereas they began 15-0 and got off to a roaring start last season, it’s been a bit different this time around.
The team has clearly missed Max Strus, still yet to debut in 2025-26. He made his season debut on Dec. 20 a year ago. As of January 6, 2026, he is still yet to suit up in the 2025-26 campaign.
An update on the official Cavs X account stated that Strus would be evaluated again in four weeks. This was certainly not the news that the team was hoping for, but this is the reality they have to deal with.
Jones fractures are nothing to scoff at, and it will keep the veteran on the sideline until at least early February.
Cavs Remain Without Max Strus
As Max Strus remains on the sidelines, the Cavaliers have become more reliant from a number of different players at the SF spot. Between Jaylon Tyson, Sam Merrill, and De’Andre Hunter, the team has gotten a lot of solid production.
Dean Wade has also come into the position of late and added some much-needed size. The biggest things missing for Cleveland without their starter has been playmaking and cutting. The things that Strus has provided the team during the past two years has been proving very difficult to replace.
In the footage below, some of what the DePaul product offers is on full display. Elite shooting and playmaking, while being a big rebounder. Strus does a lot to effect winning, his strong performance previously helping to guide the Miami Heat to the NBA Finals.
There have been some rumors that the Cavs are looking to move a few contracts around ahead of the February 5 trade deadline, And unfortunately because of this latest update, they will not have the veteran available to play before they do make any moves to see how things may fit all together.
Projecting the Fit for Max Strus Upon Return
When Max Strus does eventually return to the Cavaliers lineup, it’s pretty clear that he will join the rotation immediately. As was the case a season ago, reserve minutes for the first few games expects to be the plan. Missing as much time as he has (last suited up in May of 2025), there is a ramp-up, and readjustment period needed.
Once at full strength, 25-27 minutes per game could be had for Strus. Between Sam Merrill, De’Andre Hunter, and Jaylon Tyson, one of them is likely to fall out of favor. It will be a tough choice with all of them having some big moments, but it would be a good problem for a Cleveland team hovering near .500 to have.
Merrill missed a big chunk of games, and a bunch of losses came with his absence. The team won 11 of the first 14 games that the veteran.
He and Strus should have an excellent two-man game when playing together.
And so four weeks from now, when #1 is back in the lineup for Cleveland, discussions can be had about the team’s true potential. The intangibles he adds to the lineup have not gone unnoticed.