Cleveland Cavaliers Prepare for 2025-26 NBA Season
In Cleveland, the Cavaliers are gearing up for the 2025-26 NBA season amid some roster challenges, particularly with the health of key players. Point guard Darius Garland and forward Max Strus, both essential starters, are currently rehabilitating from surgeries on their left feet and are expected to miss a portion of the upcoming regular season, which kicks off on October 22.
Player Updates
As the Cavaliers aim for a strong performance after their impressive last season, Garland is feeling optimistic about his recovery. He underwent surgery in June to fix turf toe, an injury that plagued his performance during the team’s earlier exit from the playoffs against the Indiana Pacers. Speaking at the team’s media day, he shared his positive outlook, stating he’s been training for nearly a month and is eager to ramp up for the season ahead.
“It’s been a really good offseason,” Garland remarked, expressing satisfaction with his progress and the encouraging feedback from his medical team.
Meanwhile, Strus faces his own hurdles, having suffered a Jones fracture during a workout. Describing the incident where the injury occurred as “unfortunate,” he indicated he is on the mend after surgery—though he is still a few months from a full return to play. He mentioned he’s been gradually walking again without a boot and is hopeful for a favorable update during his upcoming six-week medical review.
Team Dynamics and Future Outlook
With both players out at the start of the season, Evan Mobley, a promising young forward, is preparing for an expanded role on the team. He indicated that he had been focusing on handling the ball over the summer and is ready to embrace additional responsibilities on the court.
Star guard Donovan Mitchell, who faced his own playoff struggles last season, acknowledged the situation’s seriousness. Upon learning about Strus’ injury, he felt a shift in his mindset, realizing the increased demands placed on him as the new season approaches. Mitchell emphasized his commitment to being in peak physical condition, expressing that it’s crucial for him to be prepared rather than scrambling to catch up later on.
His focus is not just on his performance but also on ensuring that he can contribute effectively to the team’s overall success as they seek to advance to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2018, particularly as they navigate this season without the legendary LeBron James.
