Cleveland’s Secret Weapon: The Unnoticed Brilliance of Max Strus

In the frenzied shuffle of the NBA offseason, where big names like Jrue Holiday and Damian Lillard were making headlines, there was a clandestine maneuver that could reshape the league’s landscape. The Cleveland Cavaliers, often overshadowed by flashier deals, quietly secured Max Strus in a sign-and-trade deal, a move that might prove to be the most pivotal of the 2023-24 season. Aptly dubbed “Cleveland’s Secret Weapon,” Strus brings a unique skill set and versatility that could catch opponents off guard. While the basketball world was fixated on marquee transactions, the Cavaliers strategically fortified their roster with a player who, under the radar, might become a game-changer and elevate the team to unforeseen heights.

Cleveland’s Secret Weapon: The Unnoticed Brilliance of Max Strus

Amidst the cacophony of high-profile signings, Strus, a fifth-year forward, slipped under the radar when the Cavaliers inked a four-year, $63-million deal. While some may scoff at the notion of Strus being the linchpin, the intricacies of his game suggest otherwise.

Let’s rewind to last season, where the Cavaliers met an untimely demise in the playoffs, courtesy of the New York Knicks. A glaring issue emerged – a lack of spacing. Enter Max Strus, a certified S-Class marksman, boasting a remarkable 45% conversion rate on wide-open threes over the last three years, placing him in the elite 94th percentile league-wide.

Strus not only addresses the spacing concern but adds an extra layer to Cleveland’s offensive arsenal. This season, he’s notching a career-high 5.3 assists per 100 possessions, showcasing a playmaking prowess that complements the likes of Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley in screening actions. A versatile asset, Strus brings offensive firepower without compromising the team’s defensive integrity.

Examining the numbers further solidifies Strus’ case as a game-changer. On offense, Cleveland boasts a staggering 7.7-point improvement per 100 possessions when Strus is on the court. Defensively, they become 6.5 points stingier, resulting in an overall improvement of 14.3 points per 100 with Strus in the lineup.

The essence of basketball lies in balancing floor spacing and defensive prowess. Strus emerges as the missing piece, making the equation easier for Cleveland, particularly when Mobley and Allen share the floor. The duo’s defensive prowess coupled with Strus’ offensive contributions create a tantalizing prospect for the Cavaliers.

Head Coach J.B. Bickerstaff now has a plethora of lineup possibilities to explore, thanks to Strus. In limited minutes, lineups featuring Mitchell, Garland, Strus, Mobley, and LeVert showcase promising signs. While it’s a small sample size, it exemplifies the versatility Strus brings to the table.

The headline may raise eyebrows, perhaps even seem like a misnomer, but therein lies the intrigue. In a season where Boston’s acquisitions position them as title contenders, it’s audacious to claim Strus’ sign-and-trade as the most impactful. Yet, Strus undeniably shores up Cleveland’s weaknesses and unlocks a realm of possibilities.

As the Cavaliers navigate through early-season challenges, injuries, and bouts of opponent shooting luck, Strus stands as a beacon of hope. If Cleveland finds their rhythm, Strus could propel them to true title contender status. In the grand theater of offseason moves, don’t be surprised if Strus’ acquisition emerges as the unsung hero, rewriting the narrative of the Cavaliers’ journey to glory.