Max Strus is impacting the Cleveland Cavaliers with more than just his three-point shooting.
Max Strus has grown into being an overall solid basketball player, and he does so much for the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Of course, the forward will also be known for his elite three-point shooting, but he’s also been a solid physical defender and playmaker during his tenure with the Cavaliers.
With him out for well over half of the season, the Cavaliers were searching for someone to replicate his impact. But now, Strus is healthy and back in Cleveland’s lineup.
The long-range shooting remains elite, with him connecting on 48 percent of his threes since getting back on the floor, but that’s not the only place where Strus has made an impact.
Strus has also provided the Cavaliers with a boost they may not have expected with his return to the floor. The forward has been one of Cleveland’s rebounders over the last few weeks, and there has been a noticeable increase in the overall team stats, too.
Since Strus’ return on March 15, he’s played in six games and is averaging 6.5 rebounds in that span. There have been three occasions where the forward has grabbed eight rebounds for the Cavaliers. The majority of the boards have been on defense, but he’s still averaging over one offensive rebound a game, too.
Mar 27, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Max Strus (2) celebrates after hitting a three point basket during the second half against the Miami Heat at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn ImagesWith Strus back on the floor, the Cavaliers are averaging 44.6 rebounds as a team. That’s about the same number of rebounds as the team was averaging before the forward was healthy, but that’s also been without Jarrett Allen, who’s averaging the second most on the team.
Strus has never been an elite rebounder during his career, but he’s never been a bad one either. What Strus has been able to do lately is an example of the overall player he’s become.
Don’t underestimate the value of rebounding either. When Kenny Atkinson recently discussed where the team needs to improve, he cited rebounding as an area that must improve, and Strus is certainly doing his part.
Even with Allen back in the lineup and Evan Mobley next to him in the frontcourt, the Cavs will need Strus to continue to grab these boards into the playoffs.
More rebounds mean more possessions, and more possessions mean more scoring opportunities, and Strus is helping with that.
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