Max Strus Past teams

With NBA trades, drafts and contracts negotiations, NBA teams use the available pool of talent to construct a stronger team to challenge for the NBA championship. Players also make moves to different teams with free agency to solidify their legacy and compete for the championship rings. This allows a massive shuffle in the league every season. Players often undergo a journey through various teams, honing their skills and leaving an indelible mark along the way. One such player is Max Strus.

The promising basketball talent played in multiple teams, developing into a complete professional basketball star. From being an undrafted player in the past to an impactful player in the championship contender team, Max Strus’ journey is nothing but inspiring for the fans. We will delve into Max Strus's past teams, tracing the career trajectory that has shaped him into the player he is today.

Max Strus’ Basketball Journey

Born in Hickory Hills, Illinois, Max Strus started his basketball journey at Lewis University, a Division II institution located in Romeoville, Illinois. Strus showed his capabilities, scoring ability and versatility at a young age. He went ahead to win the area Player of the Year with an impressive average of Strus averaged 19 points and nine rebounds per game.

In his college freshman years with Lewis, he averaged an impressive 16.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game, earning him the Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) Freshman of the Year accolade. Strus then transferred to DePaul and led the team with 16.8 points per game. He scored in double figures for 26 games out of 31, helping his team to finish the season with an 11-20 record.

Tough NBA Start

Strus's ability to score from all areas of the court, coupled with his athleticism and work ethic, garnered attention from scouts across various leagues. He was declared for the 2018 NBA draft but remained undrafted. He returned to DePaul and averaged 20.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 0.9 steals per game in his final season. Strus was named second-team All-Big East Conference.

Playing astonishingly well for DePaul, Strus put his name in the team’s record books. In two seasons Strus scored a total of 1,226 points which is 29th in school history. He also had 194 three-pointers made (third) from a total of 554 attempts (second). Also, Strus finished with the fifth-highest free throw percentage at .825.

Boston Celtics and Chicago Bulls (2019-2020)

After another unsuccessful attempt in the NBA draft, Strus played in the Celtics summer league, which earned him a two-way contract from the franchise in 2019. He was ultimately waived to clear a roster spot before the start of the regular season.

Strus later moved to his hometown team Chicago Bulls, where he played in 2 games, and averaged 2.5 points per game. After an injury, which shortened Strus’ stay with the franchise, he played in the G-league for Windy City Bulls.

Throughout the season, Strus showcased his scoring ability and shooting prowess, averaging 18.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game. His performances caught the attention of NBA scouts, as he demonstrated his capacity to be a valuable contributor at the highest level of basketball.

Miami Heat (2020-current):

Strus’ rough journey finally found a stable destination. Initially, he signed a two-way contract with the Miami Heat. Throughout the 2020-2021 season, he made notable contributions off the bench, displaying his shooting range and scoring ability. In a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Strus exploded for a career-high 20 points, showcasing his offensive firepower.

With continuous growth in his outputs, the Miami Heat team ties him with a two-year contract worth $3.5 million. After gaining confidence from the team, Strus continued to grow as a player and an important contributor to the Miami team.

He showcased his shooting consistency and offensive versatility, earning the trust of the coaching staff. Strus played a crucial role in several games, including a memorable performance against the Brooklyn Nets, where he poured in 19 points and drained five three-pointers. Also, his performances in the 2023 postseason were highly praised, starting in all 23 games, Strus averaged 9 points, 4 rebounds and 1,4 assists per game, to help the team clinch the Eastern conference title.

Max Strus's journey through various teams and leagues exemplifies the determination and resilience required to succeed in the competitive world of professional basketball. Even though Max Strus was successful in his college career, he found it hard to crack into the NBA. But once he did get the opportunity, he made the most of it and even played a vital role in the team's Championship run.