Cavaliers Notes: Max Strus hits ground running after missing much of season with injury

CLEVELAND — Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson said he thought swingman Max Strus would have "more of an adaption period." Instead, Strus has stepped into the lineup and hasn't missed a beat. Atkinson said he hasn't settled on Strus as his starting small forward, even though some believe he's the clear-cut choice. He's averaging 13.8 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.9 assists and shooting .535 from the field, .500 from the 3-point line and .833 from the foul line. He's started two of the eight games he's played. Strus is coming off a 24-point effort in the 118-111 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Thursday. He added five rebounds and two assists and shot 9-for-14 from the field. He's scored in double figures in four consecutive games, as well as five of eight since returning to the lineup. Strus, 29, missed the first 67 games of the regular season after having foot surgery. "I'm surprised how quickly he's adapted," Atkinson said. "He's moving well. It's a credit to him. During his rebab, he changed his diet and made more sacrifices. He doesn't want this to happen again." Strus has what some call a unique personality. Atkinson said he's used to Strus' "blunt responses in huddles and in practice." "They are never rude or derogatory," the coach said. "That's how he rolls. There's no sugar coating. It's to the point and blunt." The 6-foot-5, 225-pounder has yet to solidify a starting job. Atkinson said the small forward position is flexible "starting and finishing." "It's matchup based," he said. "You have to earn it to finish." Keon Ellis, Sam Merrill, Dean Wade, Jaylon Tyson and Strus are in contention to start or finish games at the "3" spot. "It's a good problem to have," Atkinson said. Injury report The Cavs decided to sit both starting bigs in Jarrett Allen (knee) and Evan Mobley (calf) for injury management, along with swingman Merrill (hamstring). Both forward Wade (right ankle sprain) and swingman Tyson (bone bruise in left big toe) are legitimately injured. "I watched Dean practice (Saturday)," Atkinson said. "He was moving in game speed. I want him to go 3-on-3 or 4-on-4 before he comes back. That would be the next step." Tyson is a step or two behind Wade, the coach said. "He's not at game speed yet," Atkinson said. "Dean still has soreness." The coach said the team's health is "priority No. 1." "We are managing some bumps and bruises," Atkinson said. "We want to be in peak form for the playoffs. It's still a priority to win games." Big man Atkinson loves the minutes he's getting out of center Thomas Bryant. "I'm so happy he was available (last summer)," he said. Atkinson said the 6-10, 260-pound Bryant is in the top four in the league in rim protection. "I didn't expect that," he said. "He's a stretch 5." Contact Bob Finnan at (440) 329-7135 or rfinnan30@gmail.com. Follow him @BobCavsinsider on X.