Kenny Atkinson is holding back on the encouraging news about Max Struss’ injury
Cleveland Cavaliers swingman Max Struss is still far from returning to the fieldbut Cavs head coach Kenny Atkinson said he is improving.
Before Saturday night’s game against the Chicago Bulls, Atkinson provided an update on Strus, who is recovering from Jones’ broken left foot. He suffered an injury during routine training just three weeks before training camp.
“He’s shooting down the field, so that’s good,” Atkinson said. “Still no contact, but he’s working on the field, progressing well. No downtime.”
While Struss will likely be sidelined until at least the New Year, it’s good to know that there were no obstacles in his path to overcoming his latest hurdle.
Darius Garland just returned from offseason surgery Wednesday nightleaving Struss as the last part to return from the procedure that sustained him. Donovan Mitchell has repeatedly praised Strus and Garland for being with Cleveland during this early season.
“He and Max have done a very good job (of staying actively invested),” Mitchell said Wednesday. “Sometimes you can be hurt and kind of separated from the group.
Strus said at Cavs Media Day, before training camp, that he intends to be a voice in the locker room and encourage his teammates while he heals.
“Just take it day by day. I know I’ll be fine in the end because of the work I’ve put in and how serious I’m taking my rehab,” Struss said. “I go at it every day and try to push as hard as I can without being stupid. So I’ll be ready when the time comes and I can’t wait for that moment.”
“The optimism is still there. The positive vibe is still there. I still want to be in this group and be able to contribute at a high level. I’m excited to be back. It’s crap right now, but it’s going to be good in the long run.”
2025-11-09 00:46:00
