The Cleveland Cavaliers got their man on the second day of free agency, agreeing to a four-year, $63 million dollar deal with Miami Heat sharpshooter Max Strus. This was part of a sign-and-trade between the Cavs, Heat, and San Antonio Spurs that saw Cavs’ fan favorites Cedi Osman and Lamar Stevens head to the Spurs, a second-round pick to the Heat, and obviously Strus to the Land.
The Cavaliers had one clear goal this offseason and that was to add shooters to a roster that was clearly lacking them. They accomplished their goal by not only landing Strus but also signing sharpshooter Georges Niang as well. After the ice-cold shooting that the Cavs displayed under the “brighter than expected lights” of Madison Square Garden against the New York Knicks, these were the right moves to make.
While Strus does help solve the Cavaliers’ wing problem, he also helps them out in other ways that can elevate them.
No. 1: Shooting, shooting, and…shooting!
The Cavs shooting dipped drastically in the playoffs after a solid showing in the regular season. After finishing 12th in the league in three-point shooting during the regular season at 37 percent, the Cavaliers dipped to 33 percent during their playoff series loss to the Knicks. It seemed much worse than that, as in Games 3 and 4 of that series, Cleveland shot a porous 13-of-56 from three. That is good for 23 percent. However, it was not just about the threes the Cavs took and missed.
It was also about the ones they didn’t take, especially when it came to embattled wing Isaac Okoro. Okoro was wide open from the corner multiple times from three in the Knicks series and he did not take them. The Knicks were daring him to shoot and he wouldn’t too often.
Cleveland needed someone that will shoot those kinds of looks without any hesitation and that is what Strus provides. Strus shot 46 percent on corner threes last season, and he also shot 36 percent on catch-and-shoot looks last season as well, but often on movement looks. What is really great about Strus though is that 70% of his shot attempts this season were from three-point range.
The guy is not afraid to let it fly, and that is what the Cavaliers have been lacking on offense. They needed someone on the wing that primarily shoots threes and makes them at a decent clip as well, and preferably is a multifaceted shooter.
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.
Max Strus, Miami Heat. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
No. 3: Playoff experience
Strus has played for the Heat for the last three years, and as we all know, Heat Culture is essential for that team. That is a huge reason why they have been able to have the success they’ve been having.
Strus has been able to play alongside Jimmy Butler and be coached by Erik Spoelstra, so the lessons he has learned from them can be extremely valuable in helping a young Cavs team that has a strong culture of its own. In addition to the knowledge he brings, Strus also brings playoff experience, and we all know the Cavaliers need that. Strus has played in 43 playoff games, 40 of them coming with the Heat. He has been to three Eastern Conference Finals and the NBA Finals once. He brings valuable experience to the table and can pass on the knowledge he has gained to help guys like Garland, Mobley, and Allen, who do not have as much playoff experience.
Max Strus was rumored to be arguably the Cavs’ top target and they were able to land him. He fixes many of their weaknesses on the wing and in the shooting department. He should fit on this team like a glove. Some may say the contract is a bit pricey, but also remember that there is a premium on shooting in the NBA right now and you need to be willing to spend in order to get quality guys.
Strus helps the Cavs in their quest to become an elite team in the East and beyond. Welcome to the Land Max Strus! Time to Let ‘Em Know and get to work.