The Cleveland Cavaliers still do not know when guard-forward Max Strus will appear in a game, head coach Kenny Atkinson confirmed.
Strus, 29, underwent surgery in late August to repair a Jones fracture in his left foot. According to a report from Cleveland.com, he has not yet taken part in a full practice, though he continues individual on-court work that includes shooting, cutting and other movement drills.
“The timeline is what it is. There’s no earlier or later,” Atkinson said when asked about a possible return date.
The schedule complicates matters. Beginning December 29 and running through January 16, the Cavaliers play every other day, leaving almost no room for full practices. Team officials consider at least one full-contact session essential before clearing Strus, and the next opportunity may not come until January 18—the day before Cleveland hosts the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder.
Despite the uncertainty, the organization expects Strus to resume his role as the starting small forward once he is cleared. His minutes will be managed closely at first, but the long-term plan is to restore him to the position he held for much of the past two seasons.
Strus is earning approximately $15.9 million this year and is set to make $16.66 million in the 2026-27 season before becoming a free agent.
Source: Hoops Wire
