Cavs’ Kenny Atkinson says he expects Max Strus to return before playoffs

CLEVELAND — When Kenny Atkinson was asked if he expects Max Strus to return before the end of the regular season, the Cavaliers coach gave a simple answer.

“Yes,” Atkinson said. “Yes.”

Strus has started on-court work as he aims to make his season debut from a broken foot. With 27 games left, the Cavs aren’t gonna push it. And Atkinson cautioned Thursday that there’s still a ways to go.

“Getting Max back anytime before the playoffs will be a huge bonus,” Atkinson said. “Of course you’d love to have some runway (i.e., regular-season games). As long as we get him for a playoff run that’s a win for us. It’s trending much more positive … but still a ways to go.”

Strus, 29, is coming off a season in which he averaged 9.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.2 assists, while shooting .442 from the field and .386 from 3-point range in 50 games. He missed the first 27 games of last season with an ankle injury.

When he does return, of course, he’ll join some new teammates following the acquisitions of James Harden, Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis.