Cleveland Cavaliers Coach Admits Lineup Dilemma as Max Strus Returns From Long Injury Hiatus 1 Mar 17, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Taurean Prince (12) drives against Cleveland Cavaliers guard/forward Max Strus (2) in the second half at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images

Cleveland Cavaliers Coach Admits Lineup Dilemma as Max Strus Returns From Long Injury Hiatus

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Mar 18, 2026 8:16 AM ET

Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson is still figuring out how to integrate Max Strus into his rotation after the 29-year-old swingman recently returned from his serious foot injury.

In his season debut, Strus dropped 24 points, eight rebounds, and six three-pointers on 7-for-9 shooting in the Cleveland Cavaliers’ 130-120 loss to the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday. He followed it up with a 6-point outing in their 123-116 win over the Milwaukee Bucks yesterday.

“We’re going to have to build up the minutes — he’s at 20 area, 22. If we can by the end of the season get him up to the high 20’s, that would be ideal,” Atkinson said of Strus’ playing time.

“I have such a comfort level with him, I could see it going any way — could see him in the starting lineup, maybe 6th man. We’ll see how it plays out. It’s hard not to finish with the guy, because he’s such a clutch player,” he added.

Cleveland Cavaliers News: Max Strus reflects on making his on-court return

Max Strus is happy to be back with the Cleveland Cavaliers after a long rehab, and the veteran sharpshooter vowed to do everything in his power to help the team, especially come playoff time.

“A win is a win,” Strus said after they beat the Milwaukee Bucks. “Couldn’t get a stop. I’m like a traffic cone out there, but we’ll figure it out… It’s been fun getting back into a groove with these guys and hopefully keep stacking more wins.”

“The competitor in me wants to play. The competitor in me wants to be great. I’m gonna get there. It’s gonna take me a little more (time), but my teammates keep pushing me, keep inspiring me,” he added.

This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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