Cleveland Cavaliers guard-forward Max Strus has been ruled out for the next six weeks after suffering a right ankle sprain during individual workouts.
The injury occurred on Thursday, and X-rays and an MRI confirmed the severity, sidelining one of the Cavaliers’ key contributors just before the start of the regular season.
Strus, 28, had already missed two preseason games due to a separate injury, a right hip contusion, before suffering the ankle sprain. Despite the setbacks, the Cavaliers remain hopeful for a strong recovery. Strus will undergo treatment and rehabilitation, and his condition will be reassessed after six weeks.
In his first season with the Cavaliers last year, Strus made a significant impact, starting 70 games and averaging 12.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game. The former Miami Heat player quickly established himself as one of the team’s top 3-point shooters, attempting nearly seven shots from beyond the arc per game.
Strus is entering his second season with Cleveland after being acquired in a sign-and-trade deal with Miami last year. His sharpshooting and versatility have been crucial to the Cavaliers’ success. His absence will be felt as Cleveland opens their regular season against the Toronto Raptors on 23rd October.
The Cavaliers will have to navigate the early part of their schedule without one of their key contributors, but they are optimistic that Strus will return stronger after his rehabilitation process.