The Cleveland Cavaliers received devastating news before the season even begins.
Shams Charania reported that guard Max Strus underwent surgery to repair a Jones fracture in his left foot sustained during a recent offseason workout.
The injury will sideline Strus for approximately 3-4 months, creating significant concerns about Cleveland’s spacing and offensive structure.
Strus played a crucial role in the Cavaliers’ Eastern Conference contender status over the past two seasons.
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Max Strus underwent surgery to repair a Jones fracture in his left foot sustained during recent offseason workout and will miss approximately 3 to 4 months.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 26, 2025
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Strus’s injury history creates concerning pattern for Cleveland
This marks the second consecutive year Strus has suffered an offseason injury.
He missed the first two months of last season due to a right ankle sprain suffered during workouts before returning to contribute 9.4 points and 3.2 assists while shooting 38.6% from three-point range.
Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images
The timing couldn’t be worse for Cleveland, which already lost valuable three-point shooters in Ty Jerome and Georges Niang.
Larry Nance Jr. may be a new solution, but Strus was expected to anchor the team’s floor spacing alongside their star players.
“The Cavs’ spacing is already shaky and now they are losing Strus!! He was supposed to be their floor spacer. Hope he bounces back strong,” one fan expressed on social media.
Man that’s brutal 💔 Cavs spacing already shaky and now losing Strus!! he was supposed to be their floor spacer. Hope he bounces back strong 🙏
— Raja (✸,✸) (@ClaimTheDrop) August 26, 2025
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DeAndre Hunter emerges as potential beneficiary of Strus absence
The injury opens opportunities for DeAndre Hunter, who arrived mid-season via trade from the Atlanta Hawks.
Hunter started just five games during the regular season but demonstrated his three-point capabilities by shooting 42.6% from beyond the arc for Cleveland.
Hunter averaged 14.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game in limited action.
His numbers could increase significantly if he secures a starting position due to Strus’s absence.
Fans believe the injury will force greater reliance on stars Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley to carry the offensive load.
It’s on Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley to carry the city
Sorry Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel it’s Cavs over Browns
— Ahmed/The Ears/IG: BigBizTheGod 🇸🇴 (@big_business_) August 26, 2025
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However, Hunter’s proven shooting ability provides some insurance for Cleveland’s spacing concerns.
Just like that, De’Andre Hunter becomes a starter and we get to see real minutes for Jaylon Tyson.
— clevelandbuckets (@clebuckets) August 26, 2025
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The Cavaliers remain Eastern Conference favorites for next season, particularly with rivals like the Boston Celtics and Indiana Pacers dealing with their own injury issues to key players.