The Cleveland Cavaliers have rebounded after a rough start to the season, currently sitting fourth in the Eastern Conference standings, 15 games over .500.
Trade deadline acquisitions like Keon Ellis, Dennis Schroder and of course James Harden have been a big part of that.
That said, there’s potential for Cleveland’s rotation to et even stronger heading into the playoffs.
According to Joe Vardon of The Athletic, sharpshooting forward Max Strus is nearing a return.
“He is still fighting his way back from offseason surgery to repair a fracture in his left foot and after months of waiting, he is nearing a return that could happen within the next week,” Vardon wrote.
Although Strus doesn’t produce at an All-Star level, he’s been a valuable rotation player throughout his career.
In two seasons with the Cavaliers, Strus is averaging 11 points per game, 4.6 rebounds and 3.7 assists.
Last season with Cleveland, Strus shot an impressive 38.6% from three-point range, the second highest average of his career.
When Harden and Donovan Mitchell draw the attention of multiple defenders, Strus’ shooting ability will prove valuable on the perimeter.
Apart from Strus, the Cavaliers are dealing with injuries to Tyrese Proctor and center Jarrett Allen.
Regardless, once the team regains full health, they’ll have a chance to make a run at one of the top seeds in the conference.
Currently, Cleveland trails the New York Knicks by only half a game for the third seed.
They’ll return to action Wednesday in Orlando against the Magic.
