Cleveland has been challenged by injuries as the new season approaches.
On June 9, the Cavs announced that Darius Garland had surgery performed on the left big toe that kept him out of four playoff games. He is expected to miss four to five months, which would put his season debut sometime between October and November. Opening night for the Cavs is Oct. 22, putting Garland at risk of missing some games.
Then, Max Strus underwent surgery to repair a Jones Fracture in his left foot on Aug. 26. He is expected to resume basketball activities in three to four months. This puts his debut timetable somewhere between late November and late December.
What Will the Rotation Look Like?
Assuming the Cavaliers play it safe, the assumption would be that both injuries take the maximum amount of recovery. Say Garland returns in the middle of November and Strus in early January — that leaves about 12 games without both players and roughly 33 games total without Strus.
Cleveland’s most recent trade deadline acquisition, De’Andre Hunter, will likely take the place of Strus in the starting lineup.
As for who fills in for Darius, there are a few options. Lonzo Ball, Cleveland’s summer trade acquisition, is a prime candidate. If head coach Kenny Atkinson elects to go the defensive route, Ball would fill in and take the assignment of the opposing teams best guard.
If Atkinson wanted to see more of Donovan Mitchell as the lead ball-handler, then sharp-shooter Sam Merrill could fill in and boost the offense.
Maybe the Cavs choose Jaylon Tyson and give him the opportunity to showcase his versatility.
If Ball starts, then there becomes a need for a backup guard to relieve the starters; this could mean early minutes for one of the younger Cavaliers, such as Tyson, Tyrese Proctor and Craig Porter Jr. Figuring out what these players can offer will go a long way when it comes to future transactions.
Whatever the starting lineup ends up as, Tyson, Ball, Hunter and Merrill will all see more minutes. While it’s unfortunate news, there’s comfort in understanding what it means for the rotational players.
Expanded Opportunities
An opportunity is created because of the injury to Garland. Cleveland will need to find ways to replace his 20.6 PPG and 6.7 APG. One of the most exciting stories in Cleveland has been the production and growth of the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, Evan Mobley.
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Atkinson is already on the record for praising Mobley as a future MVP candidate. While the Cavs’ All-Star point guard misses time, Mobley has the chance to show his on-ball growth. Fans should expect to see the ball in his hands more than ever, even when everybody recovers from injury. Mobley is fresh off his most productive season so far, where he averaged 18.5 PPG, 9.3 RPG, 3.2 APG on 63.3% TS.
Hunter, who only played 27 regular season games with the Cavs, will get the chance to prove he belongs in the starting lineup when the team is fully healthy. As the team continues to develop chemistry with its new depth, Hunter has a big opportunity to prove why he should stay long-term.
Injuries have plagued Lonzo’s career. Now he has the opening to demonstrate how he can be a veteran, winning player with one of the best teams in the East.
Early Adversity
The Cavaliers are no strangers to adversity. Their last few playoff runs have all ended in disappointment through injuries and a failure to meet the moment. As the new season creeps closer, this Cavaliers team has to re-discover their identity in order to make serious noise. Opening night versus the New York Knicks provides a wonderful challenge against a team who also expects to make the 2026 NBA finals.
Cleveland will need someone to help generate sustainable offense alongside Donovan Mitchell.
Who will step up? Who will break through?
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