UPDATE: The Cleveland Cavaliers are facing a challenging start to the 2025-26 NBA season with key players Darius Garland and Max Strus recovering from offseason surgeries. As the regular season opener on October 22 approaches, both starters are expected to miss time on the court, raising concerns among fans and analysts alike.
In a press conference at Cavs’ media day, Garland, who underwent surgery in June for a turf toe injury sustained during the playoffs against the Indiana Pacers, expressed optimism about his recovery. “Everything is good,” Garland stated. “I’m back on the court, moving around, I’m ramping up for the season.” Despite his progress, he acknowledged that he will need time to regain full conditioning, a sentiment echoed by Cavaliers president of basketball operations Koby Altman.
Meanwhile, Strus, who is recovering from a Jones fracture, described his injury as “unfortunate.” He revealed that he is five weeks post-surgery and is slowly walking without a boot. “I’m in a good spot right now,” Strus said, hopeful for a positive report from his doctors during his upcoming six-week checkup.
With both players sidelined, rising star Evan Mobley is preparing to take on a larger role. “I spent the summer working on handling the ball more,” Mobley noted, emphasizing his readiness to step up. Star player Donovan Mitchell also acknowledged the impact of Strus’ injury, stating, “A switch flipped in my head,” indicating his determination to lead the team effectively.
The Cavaliers, coming off a franchise-record 64 wins last season, are aiming for their first trip to the NBA Finals since 2018, and the first without LeBron James. Mitchell, who faced his own injury challenges last playoffs, is focused on being in top condition. “I’d rather be prepared and then have to adjust from that than anything else,” he explained.
As the season draws closer, fans will be watching closely to see how the Cavaliers navigate these injuries and their impact on the team’s performance. The pressure is on as they look to overcome these challenges and make a significant playoff push.
Stay tuned for more updates on the Cavaliers’ roster and the latest news as the season begins.
