The Cleveland Cavaliers sought out Max Strus in the summer of 2023 because they desperately needed more three-point shooting. Two seasons later, Strus has become a multifaceted role player who serves as the glue for any lineup that he’s in.
Strus never quite fit the box that Cleveland thought he would fill. His jumper isn’t as consistent as other three-point specialists (though he can still get hot enough to burn the house down any given night). Instead, Strus has made himself invaluable by being
a better defender and playmaker than anyone expected.
The Cavs have relied on Strus to lift their offense, not behind his shooting, but through his versatility. His off-ball movement takes attention away from Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland — but he also pairs well as a pick-and-roll partner. Especially with Evan Mobley and the five-out lineups featured in Cleveland’s second unit. Strus can complement any lineup.
Strus averaged 9.4 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.2 assists last season. He did this while playing out of position as the starting small forward, a role that he fully committed himself to. However, next season will likely bring him back to his natural position. With De’Andre Hunter in the starting lineup, and Strus coming off the bench as a shooting guard.
This change in the rotation looks perfect on paper. Hunter fits the starting five and Strus is an ideal sixth man. His microwave scoring is better suited to this role and he’ll spend less time attempting to scale up defensively to guard opposing wings. This should lead to the most comfortable season that Strus has had since joining the Cavs.
Still, Strus has a spiritual role with this team that has nothing to do with the starting lineup.
Because let’s be real. Anything tangible that you want from Strus can be better received from other role players. Hunter is more of a wing. Sam Merrill is a better three-point shooter. Lonzo Ball is a better ball-handler off the bench. The on-court production that you get from Strus is less than the actual value he adds to this team.
He isn’t the best shooter, defender, or playmaker. But he brings a maturity and focus to every lineup he’s in. He doesn’t make excuses, he doesn’t jog or sulk. Strus is all gas, no breaks — and that’s the type of fiery competitiveness that every championship team has on its roster.
Think of the biggest criticisms launched at Cleveland over the last two seasons. Soft. Uninspired. Scared of the moment. How many of those attributes would you apply to Strus? Probably none. That’s what makes him one of the most important players on the roster. Even more so than his genuinely dynamic skill set.
I wouldn’t go as far as to say Strus is the ‘heart and soul’ of the Cavaliers. In all honesty, Mitchell is the rare superstar who checks both boxes as team-leader and energizer. Still, Strus is the next closest thing, and the Cavs can’t afford to lose it.
Watch for Strus to thrive in his natural role off the bench this season. More so, stay intuned to how he raises this team’s ceiling by being a quintessential ‘lead by example’ role player.
