The new NBA season hasn’t even started, but the Cleveland Cavaliers have already received some bad news.
The team announced that Max Strus underwent foot surgery and will miss about three to four months.
“Cleveland Cavaliers forward Max Strus underwent successful surgery today to repair a Jones Fracture (fifth metatarsal) in his left foot, suffered recently during offseason training. The procedure was performed by Dr. David Porter in consultation with Cavaliers team physician Dr. James Rosneck at Forte Sports Medicine and Orthopedics in Indianapolis (IN). Strus is expected to resume basketball activities in approximately three to four months. His status will be updated as appropriate,” Cavs posted on X.
And just like that, one of the team’s most promising players has become a big question mark.
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) August 26, 2025
This means that Strus will not be on the court with the Cavs when they battle the New York Knicks on Opening Night.
In a best-case scenario, Strus will be ready to start practicing and amping up for play in three to four months.
However, there is the possibility that he isn’t fully healed by then and could miss more time.
Does this mean the Cavs will be without Strus when Thanksgiving and Christmas roll around?
Could they enter 2026 without him in the lineup?
Injuries aren’t new for Strus, who only played in 50 games last season because of them.
He never fully found his footing in 2024-25, even when he was healthy, and averaged 9.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.2 assists.
The Cavaliers were able to get by without him, but they were really hoping he’d be 100 percent in the new year.
Hopefully, this isn’t a sign of things to come because one of the biggest problems that could prevent the Cavaliers from reaching their goals is another season of injuries.
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