UPDATE: The Cleveland Cavaliers face a challenging start to the 2025-26 NBA season as two key starters, Darius Garland and Max Strus, recover from significant foot surgeries. Both players are expected to miss time when the regular season kicks off on October 22, 2025.
In a press conference at the team’s media day, Garland, the All-Star point guard, expressed optimism about his recovery from turf toe surgery in June. “Everything is good,” Garland reported. “I’m back on the court, moving around, I’m ramping up for the season. The doctors say everything looks great.” Despite this positive update, he acknowledged that he will likely not be ready for the season opener.
Cavaliers president of basketball operations Koby Altman confirmed that Garland’s conditioning will take time to return to peak performance. Meanwhile, Strus is dealing with a Jones fracture, which he suffered during an offseason workout. “It just cracked when I jumped,” he recalled, referring to the unfortunate injury. Strus is currently five weeks post-surgery and was seen walking without a boot, expressing hope for a favorable update following his upcoming six-week checkup.
As both players work to regain their strength, the Cavaliers will need to adapt quickly. Rising star forward Evan Mobley will take on additional responsibilities, having focused on improving his ball-handling skills during the summer. Mobley stated he is excited for a larger role this season.
Star guard Donovan Mitchell is also adjusting to the situation. After hearing about Strus’ injury, he felt a mental shift, realizing the increased demands on him and the team. “I just want to be in the best shape possible,” Mitchell said. “If we get to October and need to scale it back, we will. I’d rather be prepared and adjust than play catch-up.”
With the Cavaliers coming off an impressive season where they secured 64 wins, the pressure is mounting to make a deep playoff run. The team is striving to reach the NBA Finals for the first time since 2018—and the first time in franchise history without LeBron James on the roster.
Fans and analysts alike are watching closely as the Cavaliers navigate this early adversity. With the start of the season just weeks away, updates on Garland and Strus’ recoveries will be critical. The team hopes for quick progress so they can compete at a high level right from the opening tip-off.
Stay tuned for further developments as the Cavaliers prepare for the season ahead.