The Cleveland Cavaliers have jumped out to an NBA-best 21-4 record this season, achieving remarkable success despite being without one of their anticipated starters for the entire season thus far.
According to Grant Afseth of RG.org, the Cavaliers’ lineup could soon get even stronger, as Max Strus is expected to make his season debut later this week.
Sources say Strus is targeting Friday’s game against the Washington Wizards to return after recovering from a right ankle sprain that has sidelined him since the preseason.
The player’s absence has been an extended one. He initially suffered a hip contusion during the preseason, which kept him out for several weeks.
Just as he was nearing a return, he sprained his right ankle during an individual workout days before the regular season began, further delaying his debut.
Now on the verge of returning, Strus is seen as a critical piece for the Cavaliers, who are eager to see how his game fits into head coach Kenny Atkinson’s fast-paced system.
Atkinson, while excited about Strus’ impending return, emphasized the importance of managing his workload carefully. “It’s like we signed a starting player to our team,” Atkinson told Afseth.
“And now we’re going to have to figure out what that integration looks like, what the progression is… It’s a discussion with our performance team (about) what the minute build-up is going to look like.”
Despite his projected impact, the forward may not immediately slot back into the starting lineup. After starting 70 regular-season games and 12 playoff contests last year, he is expected to begin his return with a minutes restriction, potentially coming off the bench.
Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com previously reported that the Cavs are taking a cautious approach, prioritizing long-term health and a smooth reintegration into the team’s rotation.
Strus signed a four-year, $62 million deal with the Cavaliers during the 2023 free-agency period and made an immediate impact in his first season. He averaged 12.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game while shooting 35.1% from three-point range.
His ability to stretch the floor, contribute defensively, and play a versatile role makes him a valuable asset for Cleveland’s up-tempo system. His return is expected to provide a significant boost to an already thriving team.
In his absence, Isaac Okoro and Dean Wade have stepped up to fill the void at small forward, starting 14 and 9 games respectively. Both players have provided solid contributions, but Strus’ return will give the Cavaliers additional firepower and lineup flexibility.
When fully healthy, Strus is expected to reclaim his starting role, pushing Okoro and Wade back to the bench and bolstering Cleveland’s second unit.
With the sharpshooter back in the mix, the Cavaliers will be able to field their ideal starting lineup for the first time this season.
This addition could further enhance their strong performance and solidify their status as one of the league’s top teams, as they aim for a deep playoff run.
Max Strus could return to action on Friday: https://t.co/MhIBdI7Nib
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) December 11, 2024
