3 ways new sharpshooter Max Strus helps the Cavaliers
By Ismail Sy
No. 2: His versatility
Strus can play both the 2 and 3 spots, and his addition allows for the Cavs to explore more when it comes to different lineups. Strus is also more than just a spot-up shooter, as he can also put the ball on the floor and finish at the rim as well.
He is not limited in that regard, either, and he is also an above-average defender and is not a liability. He gives great effort, and that is really all you need in J.B. Bickerstaff’s system.
Strus gives them versatility at the wing spot that the Cavaliers desperately needed. This allows for them to deploy Strus in multiple different lineups.
For example, if the Cavs want to insert Strus into their starting lineup, he would fit in right next to Garland, Mitchell, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen because his main job would be to knock down open threes and play solid defense, two things he already does. If the Cavs want to go smaller, they can deploy Mitchell-Strus-Okoro-Niang-Mobley, or Garland-Strus-Okoro-Niang-Mobley. Those are just some examples of what the Cavaliers can do.
They now do not have to worry about not having a sharpshooter in their lineups. They will no longer be forced to play guys like Okoro or Dean Wade, who both play great defense, but cannot shoot consistently. Strus fixes that problem due to his versatility to play both the 2 and 3.