Cleveland Cavaliers shooting guard Max Strus has undergone surgery to repair a Jones fracture in his left foot and is now expected to be sidelined for an estimated three to four months, the team announced on Tuesday.
This unfortunate injury occurred during his recent offseason training sessions, leading to a significant setback as the new season approaches.
Strus, 28, joined the Cavaliers two summers ago through a four-year, $63 million sign-and-trade agreement. Since then, he has played a pivotal role in the team`s ascent, contributing significantly to Cleveland`s establishment as a strong contender in the Eastern Conference over the past two seasons.
Last year, Strus also encountered an early season hurdle, missing the initial two months due to a right ankle sprain sustained during workouts. Upon his return, he proved to be an important asset, averaging 9.4 points and 3.2 assists while maintaining a 3-point shooting percentage of 38.6%.
Given his current recovery timeline, Strus is anticipated to miss at least the first month of the upcoming season. The Cavaliers are scheduled to begin their season on October 22, and his extended absence will undoubtedly impact the team`s early-season rotation and strategic planning.