Jones fracture! What impact will Struth s injury have on the Cavaliers?

Knight, bad news comes.

The latest report from famous reporter Shams, sources revealed that Cavaliers defender Struz suffered a fracture of his left foot during offseason training and has undergone surgery and will be absent for 3-4 months.

Let's talk about Jones fracture first. Jones fracture refers to a specific type of fracture that occurs about 1.5 cm from the base of the fifth metatarsal bone in the foot (behind the root of the small toe). Because the blood supply in this area is poor, healing is slow and prone to delay healing or non-healing.

Thunder fans are definitely not unfamiliar with this injury. Durant suffered this injury at the beginning of the 2014-15 season. The initial news at that time was that it only took 6-8 weeks to recover.

Durant did return after 8 weeks, but due to the repeated recovery process of this injury, Durant experienced three (and some said two) operations, which eventually led to season reimbursement.

That year, Westbrook also became the first scoring champion, but because of the lack of Durant, the Thunder did not even make the playoffs.

Back to Struth, the Cavaliers were in danger of injury again.

At the beginning of last season, Struz missed two months due to an ankle injury. After his comeback, he played in a total of 50 games for the Cavaliers, averaging 9.4 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game, shooting percentage of 44.2%/38.6%/82.4% in three events, and a real shooting percentage of 60.7%.

Although the scores are reduced compared to the previous season (12.2 points per game), Struz is still an excellent rotation that is efficient, can play without the ball, and occasionally can attack with the ball. This can also be proved in the playoffs. Last year's Cavaliers' playoff journey, Struz averaged 11.7 points, 5.7 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game, with all the data improved compared to the regular season, and his three-point shooting percentage was still 38.8%.

Although the Cavaliers finally lost to the Pacers in the second round, Struz won 20+ twice in the series, but Struz also scored a sluggish match in the G5. He was in a sluggish state, with 0 of 9 shots in the game and no scored a single point.

Looking back at the Cavaliers last season, they lost 1-4 to the Pacers with a record of 64 wins and 18 losses in the regular season, and the outside world is optimistic in the second round. The reason behind this is not the problem of one or two players, but the injury.

The star Mitchell suffered a calf strain and a left ankle injury. G4 did not play in the second half (only scored 12 points), and G5 still scored 35 points with injuries (G2 and G3 scored 48 points and 43 points respectively), which is definitely a way to do its best.

Another All-Star defender Garland suffered a sprain of his left big toe and missed G1 and G2 in the series. He was in a bad state after his emergency comeback, resulting in increased pressure on Mitchell.

Inside core Evan Mobley suffered a sprain of her left ankle, missed G2 in the series, and her condition did not adjust to her best after her return. The Cavaliers' inside defense, frame protection, and rebounds were affected.

In addition, Hunter suffered a sprained thumb on his right hand, missing G2, and Merrill also missed G5 due to a neck strain.

Despite winning 64 wins, the Cavaliers are not a team with high attention. Therefore, when the Pacers finished their lower draw, more fans were cheering for the Pacers, ignoring the serious injury wave encountered by the Cavaliers.

Looking at the Cavaliers in the new season, there are not many changes in the core lineup, and the rotation has changed.

Cavaliers let Jerome, who performed well last season (28 million in 3 years and joined the Grizzlies), renewed Merrill (38 million in 4 years), and then signed Ball Golf Lonzo Ball and Nance Jr. The scoring points may have decreased, but the organization and outside defense have improved.

Considering the pattern of the East next season (Tatum and Halliburton have injured Achilles tendon), the Cavaliers are still a big hit in the championship, but there are also problems, mainly salary and injuries.

The Cavaliers currently have 13 official contracts, and their total salary in the 2025-26 season will reach US$226 million. Under this salary, the Cavaliers will need to pay a luxury tax of US$149 million.

Due to the heavy luxury tax, the Cavaliers dare not make too many moves in the free market. Rumors they will not consider signing the 15th man, which requires the core rotations to withstand the long schedule more healthily.

In the short term, Struz's injury should not have much impact on the Cavaliers. After all, the Cavaliers made a very outstanding start last season with Struz's absence.

But when Struss can return and whether he can maintain form will be very important. On the one hand, he is an important rotation member who averages 25-30 minutes per game. On the other hand, Struss is a ruthless person in the playoffs. He proved himself during the Heat. The Cavaliers need him to go further.

Jones's fracture recovery is not easy. I hope Struce can make a healthy comeback as soon as possible. Look at the Eastern Conference next season, the Cavaliers really have a chance to do something.