The Cleveland Cavaliers received devastating news before the season began.
Shams Charania reported that Guard Max Strath had undergone surgery to repair a Jones fracture in his left foot during training in the recent offseason.
The injury sets Strath aside for about 3-4 months, creating great concern about Cleveland’s spacing and offensive structure.
Strath has played a key role in the status of the Cavaliers’ Eastern Conference candidate over the past two seasons.
This shows the Stars suffered an offseason injury for the second year in a row.
He missed the first two months of last season as his right ankle sprain suffered during training before returning to contribute 9.4 points and 3.2 assists while shooting 38.6% from the 3-point range.
Cleveland’s timing didn’t get any worse.
Larry Nance Jr. may be a new solution, but Strus was expected to lock the team’s floor spacing along with the star player.
“The Cavs interval is already unstable and now he’s losing Strus!! He was supposed to be a floor spacer. I hope he bouncing hard.”
The injury opens up an opportunity for DeAndre Hunter, who arrived during the season through a trade from the Atlanta Hawks.
Hunter started just five games during the regular season, but demonstrated his three-point capabilities by shooting 42.6% over Cleveland’s arc.
Hunter averaged 14.3 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game in limited action.
His number could increase significantly if he reserves a starting position due to Strus’ absence.
Fans believe the injury will force stars Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley to put an aggressive load on them.
However, the Hunter’s proven shooting ability provides some insurance for Cleveland spacing concerns.
The Cavaliers remain a favorite of the Eastern Conference next season, especially rivals such as the Boston Celtics and Indiana Pacers, who deal with injuries issues with key players.