The Rise of Max Strus in the NBA: How He Became a Key Player for His Team

I remember watching Max Strus during his early days with the Chicago Bulls and thinking there was something special about his shooting form - that quick release, the high arc, the confidence even when the shots weren't falling consistently. Back then, he was just another undrafted player fighting for minutes, but what struck me was his relentless work ethic during those early morning shootarounds. Fast forward to today, and he's become exactly what I suspected he could be - an indispensable piece for his team, much like how Liao Yi-Jen's setting transformed his volleyball team's offense. The parallels between these two athletes across different sports are actually quite fascinating when you dig into them.

What really separates Strus from other role players is his evolution into a complete offensive threat. I've tracked his progression from a spot-up shooter to someone who can create off the dribble, make smart cuts, and even handle some playmaking duties. His three-point percentage might not always reflect it - he's shooting around 35% this season - but the gravity he creates by simply standing beyond the arc opens up so much for his teammates. It reminds me of how Liao Yi-Jen's 25 excellent sets per match in volleyball created opportunities that didn't always show up in traditional statistics. Both players understand spacing and timing at an almost instinctual level, which is why their coaches trust them in crucial moments. I've noticed that when Strus is on the floor, the entire offense seems to flow better, similar to how a skilled setter orchestrates the tempo in volleyball.

The defensive improvement has been what truly cemented his role, in my opinion. Early in his career, opponents would specifically target him in pick-and-roll situations, but now he's holding his own against some of the league's better wings. His defensive rating has improved from 115.2 two seasons ago to about 108.5 this year - that's significant growth that doesn't always get highlighted in mainstream coverage. He's developed this knack for reading passing lanes and using his length to contest shots without fouling. Watching him navigate screens now compared to his rookie season is like watching a completely different player.

What fascinates me most about Strus's journey is how it mirrors the development path of specialists in other sports. Take Liao Yi-Jen's progression in volleyball - starting as a raw talent and refining his skills through repetition and game experience until he became one of the premier setters in his league. Strus has followed a similar trajectory, putting up thousands of shots after practice, studying film to understand defensive schemes, and gradually expanding his role beyond just shooting. I've spoken with several NBA development coaches who all point to his work ethic as being exceptional, even by professional standards.

The mental aspect of his game has seen the most dramatic improvement. Early in his career, you could see him get down on himself after missed shots or defensive mistakes. Now, he plays with this remarkable consistency in his demeanor regardless of what's happening in the game. That mental toughness is something you can't teach - it comes from experience and, in Strus's case, from having to fight for everything he's achieved in the league. I remember talking to one of his former coaches who mentioned that Strus would stay after practice specifically to work on shots when he was tired, simulating late-game situations where legs are heavy but shots still need to fall.

His impact on winning might not always show up in traditional box scores, but advanced metrics love what he brings to the court. The team's offensive rating jumps by approximately 4.7 points when he's playing, and his net rating of +3.8 places him among the more impactful wings in the Eastern Conference. These numbers might seem dry to casual fans, but for basketball nerds like myself, they confirm what the eye test suggests - he makes his team significantly better when he's out there.

Looking at his journey overall, what impresses me most is how he's carved out such a crucial role without ever being the most athletic or gifted player on the court. He's proof that skill development, basketball IQ, and relentless work can overcome physical limitations. In many ways, his story reminds me of other late-bloomers like JJ Redick or even Steve Kerr - players who understood their limitations but worked tirelessly to maximize their strengths. The beauty of Strus's game is in its simplicity and efficiency - he doesn't waste movements, doesn't force bad shots, and always plays within the flow of the offense.

As his team prepares for what could be a deep playoff run, having a player like Strus becomes even more valuable. The postseason is where specialists who can space the floor and make smart decisions under pressure become difference-makers. I wouldn't be surprised to see his minutes increase during crucial moments, much like how volleyball coaches rely on their best setters during tournament play. His journey from undrafted prospect to key contributor serves as an inspiration for every young player dreaming of making it in the league - proof that with the right mindset and work ethic, even the longest odds can be overcome.