Strus' Foot Problem Emphasizes Cleveland Cavaliers' Vulnerability due to Lopsided Roster

Strus' Foot Injury Reveals Cleveland Cavaliers' Vulnerability at Top Ranks

The Cleveland Cavaliers, fresh off a successful season that saw them reach the Eastern Conference Semifinals, are facing a series of challenges as they prepare for the upcoming campaign. Star player Darius Garland is set to miss the start of the season due to toe surgery, and forward Max Strus is expected to be sidelined for 3-4 months following surgery on a Jones fracture in his left foot.

With Garland and Strus out, the Cavaliers will have 11 healthy players on standard contracts, plus two-way signees Luke Travers and Nae'qwan Tomlin. This situation could test new head coach Jonny Nebus's theory of team-building, as the Cavaliers' injuries may leave them vulnerable early in the season.

The Cavaliers' roster, which includes star players Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen, is the NBA's most expensive this year, with a payroll of $226.3 million. The team's high luxury-tax bill has led them to only have 13 players on standard contracts, and they are expected to leave their 15th spot open.

In an effort to fill the gaps left by Garland and Strus, the Cavaliers are likely to sign versatile guards or wings with strong defensive skills and playmaking ability. They may target experienced free agents or players familiar with Cleveland's system to help bolster their roster. The team is also likely to attempt to sign a 14th player on a non-guaranteed contract due to their tax concerns.

Last season, the Cavaliers managed to keep their players' minutes in check, with Donovan Mitchell leading the team with 31.4 minutes per game. However, with a depleted roster, they may not have the luxury to manage minutes as effectively this season, particularly with Garland and Strus sidelined.

The Cavaliers' roster may be at risk of increased strain on their rotation if another player suffers an injury while Garland and Strus are out. This could lead to bigger roles for Dean Wade, Craig Porter Jr., and Jaylon Tyson early in the season, as the Cavaliers lost Ty Jerome and Caris LeVert in free agency and only added Lonzo Ball.

The Cavaliers lost to the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Semifinals last season, with Ty Jerome being exposed as a potential weakness due to Darius Garland's toe injury. The Pacers' head coach, Rick Carlisle, stated that roster construction is changing in the NBA, emphasizing the importance of having good players rather than relying heavily on a few great ones.

The 2024-25 Philadelphia 76ers may serve as a cautionary tale for the Cavaliers, as they struggled with injuries to Joel Embiid and Paul George, leading to a drop in performance and a lower draft position. The Cavaliers will need to carefully balance their need to maximize competitiveness on a game-to-game basis and their long-term goals.

Despite the challenges they face, the Cavaliers could potentially be full-strength by midseason and contend for the Eastern Conference title this year. De'Andre Hunter, who finished fourth in the Sixth Man of the Year race, is with the Cavaliers, adding another experienced and talented player to their roster. The Cavaliers will need to make the most of their opportunities and navigate the season carefully to achieve their goals.