Miami Heat: Max Strus Is Flying High And Into Opposing Scouting Reports

The Miami Heat might have found another one… so meet Max Strus, if you haven’t already.

The Miami Heat have given desirable minutes to a 25 year-old Max Strus, who’s recently helped fuel Miami’s offense in the various runs they’ve played him in. The Heat’s backup forward is providing adequate floor spacing and hustle on both ends.

While not seeing the floor in Wednesday’s, 116-111, victory over the San Antonio Spurs, Strus reappeared in Saturday’s 17 point win over the Cleveland Cavaliers to score 17 points off the bench in 25 minutes. It was the first time since late February in which Strus scored in double-figures.

In the Heat’s two victories over the weekend, Strus registered a plus-minus of 10 and though his shooting efficiency could’ve been better (shot just 6-24 from beyond the arc in the last four games), Strus has seemingly earned a minutes increase to around the mid-twenties via this recent stretch. If he can consistently see, at least, 15-20 minutes per night, he’ll eventually find the proper rhythm.

Because of the emphasis placed on shooting and spacing in today’s league, Strus’s services are heavily valued. A player with a quick, yet jolting release, he uses a great deal of lower body strength to create a proper lift.

With Duncan Robinson and Trevor Ariza, the Heat are lacking a true catch-and-shoot specialist in the second unit. Strus fits that bill.