The Cleveland Cavaliers gave an update on where Max Strus is in his injury rehab.
It may already be March, but reinforcements could still be coming for the Cleveland Cavaliers this season as they look to get as high as they can in the Eastern Conference before the playoffs start in just over a month.
Max Strus has yet to play in a game this season after suffering an offseason ankle injury that required surgery to heal. He's already been out longer than his original timetable, which initially targeted a return in January.
However, the team's latest injury update offers some hope that the forward could play for the Cavaliers at some point this year.
The organization shared on Wednesday that "Recent imaging has shown progressive healing, and in consultation with Dr. David Porter and team physician Dr. James Rosneck, Strus has progressed to individual on-court workouts as part of a structured ramp-up program."
Strus' program will include "controlled team activities" and practice sessions with the Cavaliers and Cleveland's G-League team, the Cleveland Charge.
Jan 18, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Max Strus (1) warms up before the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn ImagesBased on these updates, it certainly looks and feels like the Cavaliers are working on the conditioning side of Strus' rehab.
Even though Strus is still on the sidelines, hearing that he's making progress rather than suffering a setback is obviously an encouraging sign for the Cavaliers and Strus.
There are no promises that Strus can or will return to the Cavaliers this season, but if he does, the forward's addition would be a massive boost for the roster, especially with the postseason quickly approaching.
During the 2024-25 season, Strus played in 50 games for the Cavaliers, averaging 9.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.2 assists while shooting 44 percent from the floor and 38 percent from behind the arc.
What those stats don't show is that Sturs also has plenty of playoff experience, which can't hurt for a team that must make a deep run this spring or risks more major roster moves coming this offseason.
The Cavaliers' update finished with "Strus will continue his rehabilitation and conditioning under the supervision of the Cavaliers' medical and performance staff, with ongoing evaluation. Further updates will be provided as appropriate."
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