Max Strus finally returned to the court for the Cleveland Cavaliers this past Sunday after missing the entire season to this point with a Jones fracture. While it didn’t come in a win, his return looked about as positive an outcome as the team, the player, and the fans could have hoped for.
Average Player Grade: A+
Stats last week: One game, 24 points, 8 rebounds, and 1 assist
Standout Performance: Same as above
After a signature performance from Strus, he delved into what went into a return like this.
“You learn a lot about yourself when something is taken away from you. I think I understand how important this is and how much it does mean to me that I want to be back. I want to make an impact. I want to help this team win. I do love basketball. I do love doing it with a good group of guys. I’m just happy to be back.”
The performance sent the arena into a frenzy. Strus was lights out shooting beyond the perimeter, going 6-7 in 20 minutes. Strus compiled this performance while also showing the skill set that made Cavaliers fans fall in love with him in the first place. Strus showed his on-ball abilities, being able to get around the rim, and showed how much easier his life can be in this James Harden iteration of the Cavaliers.
Strus’s return also allows the Cavaliers to unlock a more free-flowing version of their offense — one that mirrors the style that originally drew the team to him during his Miami Heat days. In past seasons, Strus often felt like an essential component of the Cavaliers’ ability to get rolling offensively, but that level of responsibility sometimes worked against what makes him most effective.
Shooters like Strus operate at their best when they are able to operate within their own systems. The Cavs desperately have needed these types of role players. Outside of Sam Merrill, this has been an archetype the team has sorely lacked.
A lot of times, the Cavalier of the week is based on a stretch of games to earn the hardware. When it comes to this week, I think acknowledging the road Max Strus took to have the debut he did is worth the award itself.
Max Strus, your award is in the mail.
