Evaluating the career trajectory of Miami Heat's Max Strus, quickly becoming a sneaky contender for NBA's 6th Man of the Year award

The Miami Heat have developed some solid role players over the years, and Max Strus is among those names. Strus took time to find his feet in the NBA, but he could be destined to become one of the elite role players and possibly a star as he continues to develop his game.

Strus attended Lewis University, where he began his college basketball career at the Division II level. After two successful seasons, he transferred to DePaul for the final two years of college eligibility to play Division I basketball. He emerged as one of the most efficient shooters and scorers. Strus even decided to enter the NBA draft after one season before eventually continuing to complete two years. He averaged 18.6 points per game with DePaul.

Max Strus entered the 2019 draft but was undrafted. Strus split time between the Boston Celtics and Chicago Bulls in his first year. Strus played for the Celtics' Summer League team and signed a two-way deal and a standard deal, but eventually got cut from their opening night roster.

He signed a two-way deal with the Chicago Bulls and played two NBA games. However, he sustained an ACL injury, which ended his rookie season. The Miami Heat gave Max Strus an opportunity before the 2020-21 NBA season by signing him to a two-way contract.

He played 39 games, averaging 6.1 points on 45.5% shooting that year. Strus signed a standard deal with Miami worth $3.5 million for two years during the 2021 offseason. He earned an extended run this past season for the Heat. He played 68 games, starting 16, playing 23.3 minutes per contest, averaging 10.6 points per game on 41.1% 3-point shooting.

Max Strus became a regular feature in the rotation due to his shooting and scoring efficiency. It also helped him earn a starting spot during the playoffs for the Miami Heat. His scoring average of 10.9 points per game wasn't any different from the regular season. However, his efficiency dropped. He shot a below-par 33.3% from deep.

Nevertheless, Strus has established that he can be an invaluable piece on a contending roster. He will be a free agent next offseason. If he makes the most of a possible extended role with Miami, Strus could be a coveted free-agent target.

Max Strus gets off to a hot start for the Miami Heat this season, could be in the running 6th Man of the Year award

With Tyler Herro shifting into a starting role for the Miami Heat and Victor Oladipo balancing his workload, Max Strus could have a prominent role for the team off the bench. He excelled in a starting role when called upon, so there is a belief he could replicate that success or do better as the Heat's designated sixth man.

The Heat also haven't added any reinforcements this offseason, which extends the opportunity for young players like Strus to shine this year. The 26-year-old already seems to be making the most of that chance.

In the Heat's opening game against the Chicago Bulls, Strus bagged 22 points off the bench in 31 minutes. He shot the lights out, making 7-of-9 attempts from the floor, including 5-of-7 from 3-point range.

If Max Strus continues to build on those numbers, the Miami Heat could potentially have two players win the 6th Man of the Year in consecutive seasons after Tyler Herro bagged the award last year.