Max Strus has found ways to make his impact with the Cleveland Cavaliers felt while he waits for his season debut.
Max Strus is still waiting to make his season debut for the Cleveland Cavaliers after suffering an offseason ankle injury that required surgery to repair.
Kenny Atkinson recently acknowledged that Stus is such a “hooper” and “take basketball away, take competition away… there’s not many things worse than that for Max Strus.”
The veteran forward is getting closer and closer to finally being back on the floor with the Wine and Gold, but Strus isn’t waiting until he’s wearing a jersey to make his presence be felt on the court; he’s already finding ways to help his team from afar.
Donovan Mitchell recently recognized that while Cleveland is missing Strus’ energy on the floor, he’s still finding other ways to support the Cavaliers.
“We all know who he is to us,” said Mitchell. “Just for him to be out there kind of talking to me, talking to James, talking to Dean, talking to Ev, talking to Dennis, Keon, like, whoever, that's another high-IQ player kind of giving you what he sees out there.”
When looking over at the Cavaliers’ bench, one of the most vocal members on it is always Strus. Whether that’s cheering on his teammates and giving his own perspective on what he sees, that can do a lot for a team.
Feb 23, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Max Strus (1) celebrates with guard Sam Merrill (5) during the second half against the Memphis Grizzlies at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn ImagesStrus could be seen pointing, calling out, and directing players on Sunday’s broadcast against the Boston Celtics. Unfortunately, that play ended with a Boston three-pointer, but it still shows what Strus can recognize and relay as the game plays out in front of him.
As impactful as Strus’ insight has been from afar, the Cavaliers know and need him to be just as helpful once he gets back on the floor, which could be coming sooner or later.
Strus gives the Cavaliers another floor spacer, a connector, and someone with extensive postseason experience, which will be way more valuable than just his support.
“He's been phenomenal in practice,” continued Mitchell. “I don't know what his timeline is, but he's been looking good… we're excited for whenever he comes back.”
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