Cavs Notes: Lonzo Ball, Max Strus, Darius Garland

Cavaliers newcomer Lonzo Ball hasn’t played in both ends of a back-to-back since the 2020–21 season with the Bulls. Three knee surgeries and a two-and-a-half year layoff will do that.

But the 26-year-old guard hinted on media day that this could finally be the year he plays in consecutive games again.

Ball said it’s “possible” he suits up for both halves of back-to-backs at some point this season, though he added that the subject hasn’t yet been discussed with Cleveland’s medical staff.

The Cavs brought Ball in via trade with Chicago this summer, swapping out former lottery pick Isaac Okoro in hopes of adding more ball-handling, perimeter defense and veteran savvy.

At full strength, Ball remains a versatile 3-and-D guard who fits neatly next to Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell.

Strus Still Months Away

Starting wing Max Strus offered a progress update on his recovery from offseason foot surgery. Strus, who underwent a procedure to repair a Jones fracture earlier this summer, said he’s now five weeks out and walking without a boot.

“I’m in a good spot right now,” Strus said. “Everything seems to be healing.”

He declined to set a firm timetable for his return, but he’s scheduled for a six-week checkup next week that should give a clearer picture.

A return before the All-Star break remains uncertain, but the Cavs are optimistic about how his recovery is trending.

Garland Nearing Clearance

Garland is also working his way back after undergoing offseason surgery to address a turf toe injury that lingered through last year’s playoff run.

Garland said rehab has gone “really well” and he’s already back on the court, ramping up toward full basketball activity.

“Everything is good,” Garland said. “Summer went really well. Rehab has been going really well. I’m back on the court, moving around, I’m ramping up for the season. So everything’s been good.”

While he wouldn’t reveal an exact target date for his return — “I don’t have a date yet … that I’m going to tell y’all” — Garland hinted he has one in mind.

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