Cavaliers starting small forward Max Strus is expected to miss a significant portion of the 2025-26 NBA season while rehabilitating from foot surgery.
Here is a statement the Cavs released Aug. 26 regarding Strus:
“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.
“Strus is expected to resume basketball activities in approximately three to four months. His status will be updated as appropriate.”
The Cavs will open the 2025-26 regular season Oct. 22 at the New York Knicks.
Who will start for Cavaliers with Max Strus injured?
When Strus is sidelined, De’Andre Hunter would be a natural choice for coach Kenny Atkinson to insert into the Cavs’ starting lineup.
Cleveland Cavs expected to begin 2025-26 season without two starters
In addition to Strus, Cavs All-Star point guard Darius Garland underwent offseason surgery. Garland is likely to miss the beginning of the upcoming season after having surgery June 9 on his left big toe.
Max Strus stats
In the 2024-25 regular season, Strus played 50 games and averaged 9.4 points on 44.2% shooting from the field (38.6% on 3-pointers), 4.3 rebounds and 3.2 assists in 25.5 minutes. In the playoffs, Strus played all nine games and averaged 11.7 points on 41.6% shooting from the field (38.8% on 3-pointers), 5.7 rebounds and 3.9 assists in 28.1 minutes.
Last year, the Cavs announced Strus suffered a right ankle sprain Oct. 17 during individual workouts. He missed Cleveland’s first 27 regular-season games and returned to action on Dec. 20. Strus went on to play a pivotal role for the Cavs, who earned the Eastern Conference’s No. 1 playoff seed with a record of 64-18 before their disappointing second-round postseason loss to the Indiana Pacers.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Cavs injury news: Cavaliers starting small forward Max Strus undergoes foot surgery
Reporting by Nate Ulrich, Akron Beacon Journal / Akron Beacon Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
