The Miami Heat are known for being able to find players where no one else could, did, or even thought to look. An evergreen example and after being drafted later in the 2010 NBA Draft, Hassan Whiteside couldn’t get his footing together in the league, infamously playing in Lebanon and China until… the 2014-15 season.
That was the year where the Heat nabbed him out of the “YMCA” and proceeded to turn him into the guy that has since gone on to make over $100 million dollars. How about another example?
Look at Derrick Jones Jr., who, somehow, couldn’t stick with the Phoenix Suns. Now, the era of Phoenix Suns management isn’t the same one that has them clicking now, but yea, those horrible teams couldn’t find a use for a guy that they eventually let leave to become a key player in Miami.
He would join the Miami Heat, fully tap into his high motor and peak athleticism, and go on to sign a two year deal this past offseason for nearly $20 million. It’s proven, the Miami Heat find guys and make them into players.
Offensive Grade – A-
That case is no different this season and the guy is Max Strus. Though he only played in 39 games for the Miami Heat, Strus did his job at a high level when called upon.
The Miami Heat always find players out of nowhere and Max Strus is no exception.
Though he only shot 33.8 percent from deep across his nearly four attempts per contest, he is still an elite shooter. He also showed a willingness and ability to go to the cup hard when given the opportunity.
In fact, he is a bit more sneaky athletic than most might think. At the end of the day, his special gift is his shooting and he showed that in limited opportunity this season.
Defensive Grade – C
Max isn’t special defensively and needs to continue to work. He never loafed though, always giving maximum effort.
With this Miami Heat franchise, they can deal with you if you give the effort. If this past season is any indication, Max gives the effort.
His athleticism also gives you the hope that he can become a much better defender as well. Also, the more any young player sees on defense, the better they become at recognizing what’s needed to stop something quickly.
Overall Grade – B
Listen, it may seem kind of high for a guy who only played 13 minutes per contest, but he did average six points in those minutes. He was always a guy willing to come in and give it what he had, plus he made the most of his time.
With the Miami Heat losing a few guys, surely, in free agency this offseason and with his ability to stroke it from the outside, don’t be surprised if he’s back and a good little part of the Heat’s rotation next season.