So, we all remember that moment in the Finals.
That crazy shot against Boston where he threw it up and it went in.
It was the turning point for the Cavaliers last season.
But if you look at the box score, you might miss the real story.
We are talking about Max Strus.
Most casual fans probably see him as just another shooter on the roster.
But from what I’ve seen watching him closely over the years, he is way more than that.
He is the glue that holds the Cavs’ spacing together.
Who is Max Strus? The Long Road to the NBA
Max Strus isn’t a typical draft pick.
He wasn’t coming out of Duke or Kentucky.
He played at DePaul.
Then he had to go to Europe and the G-League.
Honestly, I think that grind made him who he is today.
He knows how to survive.
He knows how to play when nobody is watching.
It’s rare to find a guy who played in the NBA G League (where he was an All-Star) and then comes back to win Finals MVP votes.
The Mechanics Behind the Shot
If you watch his form, it’s weird.
It’s not the textbook motion you see on YouTube drills. Oddly enough,
It’s more of a flick.
The ball releases flat and high. Oddly enough,
He doesn’t rotate it much, he just lets it fly.
Some coaches hate this.
But the results don’t lie. Oddly enough,
In the 2022-23 season, his 3-point percentage was around 41-42%. Oddly enough,
For a non-star player, that is incredibly efficient.
It puts so much pressure on the defense because they can’t just sag off him.
They have to respect it.
If they don’t, he’s hitting 50% from deep, which we saw in the playoffs.
Why He Matters: The Spacing Engine
Max Strus has a wingspan of about 6-foot-10.
That sounds huge for a guard, right? It means he can rebound, he can defend multiple positions, and he can get his hands on balls that smaller guards can’t reach.
This is huge for the Cavs’ spacing.
When you have , the defense has to collapse.
Max is the perfect decoy.
He stands in the corner, looks at the basket, and the defender has to follow him.
Then he kicks it out to the open man.
- Offensive Versatility: He can drive and finish at the rim, not just spot up.
- Defensive Energy: He plays with a high motor, which is refreshing.
- Experience: He’s been through the wars in Europe and the G-League.
It’s actually kind of frustrating to watch because people sleep on him.
But that’s usually how it works with these glue guys.
They don’t put up 30 points a night, but they win games. And this is where things get interesting.
I’ve been following the roster moves closely, and honestly, trading Caris LeVert for him was a stroke of genius.
It freed up minutes for Strus to really shine.
Fantasy Basketball Value
If you are playing fantasy ball, you might be sleeping on Strus too.
He is a sneaky good pickup for leagues that count threes and rebounds. But there’s a catch.
He’s inconsistent, sure.
But when he gets hot, he can drop 25 points in a night.
That’s what you call a high ceiling.
You can find more insights on if you are looking to optimize your lineup.
Just be careful, though.
He’s not a consistent starter in standard formats because of his usage rate.
The Contract Situation and Future
Let’s talk about the money.
He got a massive extension from the Cavs.
That tells you everything you need to know about the organization’s view of him.
They see him as a core piece.
And let’s be real, can you really find a better three-point shooter on the open market right now? Probably not.
The market is flooded with guards who can’t shoot. And this is where things get interesting.
Max brings a specific skillset that is almost impossible to find in bulk.
He’s also in the playoffs, which is rare for his position.
What’s Next?
Max will likely be the starting shooting guard for the Cavs for years to come.
The goal is to keep that core together.
But injuries are always a thing.
If he goes down, who steps up? The Cavs need to be ready.
I’ve seen a lot of people asking about and other betting lines, but I prefer just watching the games. Here’s the interesting part.
Sometimes you just have to trust the process.
And this is where things get interesting.
Max Strus vs.
Other Shooters
People love comparing him to guys like Duncan Robinson or Grayson Allen. But there’s a catch.
But Strus is different. And this is where things get interesting.
He’s bigger.
He can play small ball four.
He’s tougher.
Robinson can get bullied at the rim.
Strus? He’s scrappy.
I think he’s the better player, honestly.
He has that ‘dog’ mentality that you need in the playoffs.
If you want to see more comparisons, you can check out for a deep dive into shooting styles.
Final Thoughts
Max Strus is the definition of an underdog story.
From the G-League to a massive contract in Cleveland.
It’s a hell of a journey.
He doesn’t have the flashiest name or the biggest ego.
He just goes out there, knocks down shots, and plays hard defense.
If you are building a roster or just watching NBA games, you need to appreciate a guy like this.
He makes everyone else better.
So, keep an eye on him.
He’s going to be a thorn in everyone’s side for a long time.
Image source: pexels.com
Related Resources
- Check out our guide on NBA Free Agency.
Image source credit: pexels.com