May 15, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Max Strus (1) shoots against Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) in the first quarter during game five of the second round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images Cleveland Cavaliers small forward Max Strus will miss at least six weeks due to a sprained right ankle.
Strus injured the ankle during individual workouts on Thursday, according to the Cavaliers. An X-ray and MRI exam confirmed the severity of the injury.
Strus will undergo treatment and rehab work for six weeks and then will be reassessed.
Strus was slowed by a hip injury earlier in the preseason.
The 28-year-old Strus averaged 12.2 points, 4.8 rebounds and 4.0 assists in 70 games last season in his first campaign with the Cavaliers. He made 168 3-point baskets last season.
Strus spent his previous three seasons with the Miami Heat and emerged as a reliable bench player and part-time starter. He departed as a free agent after the 2022-23 season and joined the Cavaliers as part of a sign-and-trade with the Heat.
Strus has career averages of 10.6 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 259 games (119 starts) in five seasons with the Chicago Bulls (2019-20), Heat (2020-23) and Cavaliers.
Cleveland opens the season on Wednesday against the host Toronto Raptors.
–Field Level Media
