CLEVELAND — The Cavaliers are still playing the long game with Max Strus, but the tone around his recovery continues to improve.
Coach Kenny Atkinson said Tuesday that Strus is “trending positive” as he works toward his season debut following offseason foot surgery, adding that he’s been both pleased and “surprised” by how the veteran wing has looked on the court.
There remains no firm timetable, with 23 regular-season games left.
That lines up with what Atkinson said last week when asked whether he expects Strus back before the end of the regular season.
“Yes,” Atkinson said at the time. “Yes.”
Still, the Cavs are being careful. Strus has begun on-court work, but the organization isn’t interested in rushing anything.
“Getting Max back anytime before the playoffs will be a huge bonus,” Atkinson said. “Of course you’d love to have some runway. 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, averaged 9.4 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.2 assists last season while shooting nearly 39 percent from three. He also missed extended time a year ago, sitting out the first 27 games with an ankle injury.
Whenever Strus returns, he’ll be stepping into a different Cavs rotation following deadline moves that brought in James Harden, Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis.
In short, the Cavs doesn’t need him tomorrow. They just need him ready when it matters most.
Looking for the latest NBA Insider News & Rumors?
Be sure to follow Hoops Wire on TWITTER and FACEBOOK for breaking NBA News and Rumors for all 30 teams!
