Cavs’ Max Strus still not close to season debut

The Cavaliers aren’t close to getting Max Strus back.

Cleveland announced that Strus recently underwent evaluation and imaging on his surgically repaired left foot, and while the results showed “positive progress,” the Jones fracture still needs more time to heal. So it’s more rehab, conditioning and patience.

According to the team, Strus will continue his recovery program and is scheduled for another check-in with the Cavs’ medical staff and Dr. David Porter, who performed the surgery, within the next four weeks. A clearer return timeline could come after that evaluation.

Strus’ absence has been felt. He was a key piece of last season’s 64-win squad, providing shooting, movement and defensive toughness in a lineup built around Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley.

Instead, Cleveland has spent much of the season cycling through options at that fifth spot, often while juggling other injuries along the way. The Cavs will gladly take cautious progress over a setback, but for now, Strus remains a ways off.