Training camp is about to begin, and the Cleveland Cavaliers will have most of their players on the floor. The only exceptions are All-Star guard Darius Garland and Max Strus. The Cavs’ starting two guard played on “one foot” during the postseason after reaggravating a toe injury. After surgery in June, Garland is limited in basketball activities. But team president Koby Altman still sees Garland’s offseason as a success.

“He had a really good off-season only because he focused on the things that we’ve been talking about for a long time with him, which is weight room, strength. And because he couldn’t touch a basketball for a month, he had to just lift. Um, and so he’s stronger, he’s more stout,” Altman added. Garland will accompany the team during the preseason. But the Cavaliers aren’t in any rush to get him back on the court.

“We’re certainly not going to put a timetable on it… I think for him, the biggest thing is how do we start to ramp him up from a conditioning standpoint? And that’s not something that can happen in two weeks,” Altman added on media day. So, although Darius Garland might not appear in the preseason, the Cavaliers are confident in his recovery. The same can’t be said for Strus.

The Cavs forward suffered a Jones fracture during an offseason workout. So just like last season, Altman expects Strus to miss significant time to start the season. “He’ll come back as soon as he can, but it’s going to be a few months for him,” Altman said about Strus. This raised a genuine question from the media, who could only speak to Kenny Atkinson and Altman.

How do the Cleveland Cavaliers manage the season with lingering injuries? Least to say, they aren’t worried about that.

The Cavaliers have ample depth to manage Strus and Garland’s injuries

Since the Cavaliers missed Max Strus to start the last season, they used the trade deadline to ensure they secured a replacement. That’s the reason they made a trade for De’Andre Hunter from the Atlanta Hawks. The scoring forward had an immediate impact, averaging 14.3 points while shooting over 40% from three in his half-season with the Cavaliers.

In Strus’ absence, the Cavaliers see Hunter as next in line. The 6’8” forward has vast experience operating as a starter. His averages jump up when starting for the Cavaliers. Hence, Altman or Atkinson isn’t worried about the Cavaliers’ depth.

They wouldn’t have been able to say the same for Garland’s situation. But in the summer, the Cavaliers signed Lonzo Ball to further build on their defensive identity and add a potent playmaker. Additionally, they also have Sam Merrill, who could be chosen to start since he’s spent more time with the organization.

Nonetheless, the Cleveland Cavaliers’ expectations remain unchanged despite some injury troubles. They finished as the top-seed in the East, and are confident fighting for the title. They have a leader in Donovan Mitchell alongside Evan Mobley, who Altman sees as an “offensive hub” in Garland’s absence.

Do you think the Cavaliers can replicate their success from last season? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.