Max Strus learned it just before the meeting against the Mavs that he would start. Present in the Heat’s five for a dozen games in a row from mid-November, the winger had started most of his time on the Florida bench. Except that for three games and until the end of the season, he will keep his place in the five.
Exactly as it had been the case last year. He had played his last six regular season games as a starter and had retained that status for the finals. ” This five hasn’t played many minutes over the year, but they’ve been very productive when they have. Everything is possible », justifies this year Erik Spoelstra.
In recent weeks, in addition to his trio of executives Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro, the Florida coach has trusted Gabe Vincent to replace Kyle Lowry, now a substitute. To round out the five, he also had recourse to the latest recruit, Kevin Love. The latter paid the price for the re-introduction in the five of Strus, holder 31 times this season.
” His versatility allows him to be effective in both fives, whether he is a starter or not. And I told him several times that one could consider it negative to play different roles. Or as a positive being fully in the rotation, completing both fives, continuing to grow as a player learning to win and making an impact in different ways “Reports his coach.
Get into robot mode
This reshuffle is convincing for the moment since the shooter has averaged 14 points (48% from 3-pointers) over these three games won by the Heat. To see now if this five will remain in place for the upcoming deadlines. So far, Strus, wandered between positions 2, 3 and 4, is in permanent adaptation.
“ I do not have a choice. I have to kind of behave like a robot, know that it’s my job and that whatever is asked of me that night, I have to do my best. Whatever the job, it has to be done “, delivers the 27-year-old player, author of six award-winning baskets against Dallas.
A situation ” difficult » which also allowed him to grow. “ I learned a lot this year, on and off the pitch. It’s been a hell of a year. But I think keeping the same mindset was huge for me. I’ve really grown and matured throughout this season. That’s what I’m most proud of and what I’ve learned the most. »
| Max Strus | Percentage | Bounces | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Crew | GM | Minimum | Shots | 3 points | LF | Off | Def | Early | pd | party | Int | bp | CT | Points |
| 2019-20 | CHI | 2 | 3 | 66.7 | 0.0 | 100.0 | 0.5 | 0.0 | 0.5 | 0.0 | 0.5 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 2.5 |
| 2020-21 | MIA | 39 | 13 | 45.5 | 33.8 | 66.7 | 0.1 | 0.9 | 1.1 | 0.6 | 1.1 | 0.3 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 6.1 |
| 2021-22 | MIA | 68 | 23 | 44.1 | 41.0 | 79.2 | 0.4 | 2.6 | 3.0 | 1.4 | 1.7 | 0.4 | 0.8 | 0.2 | 10.6 |
| 2022-23 | MIA | 77 | 29 | 41.0 | 34.7 | 87.6 | 0.6 | 2.7 | 3.3 | 2.1 | 2.1 | 0.6 | 0.9 | 0.1 | 11.7 |
| Total | 186 | 23 | 42.7 | 37.0 | 82.0 | 0.4 | 2.3 | 2.7 | 1.5 | 1.7 | 0.4 | 0.7 | 0.2 | 10.0 | |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Shots made / Shots attempted; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def= defensive rebound; Tot = Total bounces; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost bullets; Ct: Counters; Points = Points.
