I like to think that I’m pretty knowledgeable about most/all things NBA related. I know where players went to school, what they’re averaging on the year, their awards, what their best highlight is, among other things. If anyone ever needed to know a stat about the NBA, I was their guy. However, I will be the first to admit when I am unfamiliar with a player. I learned who Max Strus was last night (at the time of writing this,) and it’s all because he had his best game as a professional.
On the year, Strus has averaged 7 points per game, while being pretty efficient from the floor. I’m not saying that players who average single digits aren’t stars, because they are. Everyone who is in the NBA today has done something that I could only dream of, so all of my respect goes to the guys in the NBA. The thing about this situation is, if you aren’t a regular rotation player, or you haven’t had big games before, or even if you didn’t go to a big school, I probably won’t know who you are unless you play for the Celtics. It is a flaw that I’m working on, but I haven’t gotten to where I want to be yet. Max Strus may be the reason that I start looking at every bench player in the league and look for diamonds in the rough.
Last night against the Rockets, the Heat were able to extend their win streak to four with Jimmy Butler leading the way with a triple-double. Butler did his thing with 27/10/10, but you don’t get wins on the back of one player; you get wins with the whole team, and role players. Bam Adebayo nearly had a triple-double with 10/13/8, Kendrick Nunn and Duncan Robinson had 16 and 15 points respectively, and arguably the second star of the night, Max Strus, had 21 while making 5 three pointers.
After watching the highlights, I liked what I saw. He has a good shooting form, he knows how to get to his spots, he shoots in rhythm, he doesn’t force anything, and he’s confident in his shooting abilities. When I went to look at his career box scores, his previous career high was 19 a couple of games ago against the Hornets. Before that? 14 against the Cavs last year.
The biggest surprise to me while doing my research was that Strus, like a few of his teammates, were undrafted. He, along with Kendrick Nunn and Duncan Robinson have found themselves a rotation spot for the Heat after not being drafted. I’ve gone on before about how good I think the Heat’s talent scouting department is, and Strus is just another example of being able to find diamonds in the rough. I’ve gone on and on before about how, with Butler back in the rotation, the Heat can make a run and even make it back to the Finals. Miami has the ability to stretch the floor from point guards to centers, and they have lethal shooters in Tyler Herro and Duncan Robinson. If Strus can prove to be a reliable shooter, and stay on the floor, Miami could start breaking some 3-point records before too long.
When I saw that Strus was popping off for the Heat, I was surprised, but in a good way. I love learning about new players, and getting to know their play style. After watching the highlights, I’m a fan of Max Strus. No. 31 fits him well, because at times he looked like Reggie Miller out there. I’ll be keeping tabs on his career from here on out. Thanks, House of Highlights for bringing him to my attention. I owe you one.
Round The Game 
Leave a comment