Max Strus is patiently waiting for his opportunity with the Miami Heat.
And when it arrives, the 6-foot-6 guard plans on taking advantage of it.
Strus, a Stagg graduate, has no doubt he belongs in the NBA.
“I have a big vision for my career,” Strus said. “I can see a lot happening.”
So can I.
Right now, Strus has to play the waiting game with the Heat, who signed him Dec. 19 to a two-way contract.
“I know I put in the work to be here,” Strus said. “I think my time will come more in the middle of the season. I can’t wait.”
Neither can Strus’ supporters who have watched his development from Stagg to Lewis to DePaul to the Bulls and now the Heat.
Strus’ story is a legitimate made-for-TV movie.
“You never know,” Strus said with a laugh. “It’s been quite a journey.”
No doubt.
By signing a two-way contract, Strus, 24, is eligible to play a maximum of 50 games with the Heat. The NBA’s abbreviated regular-season schedule is 72 games.
More Top Picks Best Nursing Shoes For Wide Feet
So far, Strus has played in one of the Heat’s first eight games. He scored seven points in 12 minutes.
“You can learn a lot by watching,” he said. “But I want to be the guy out there playing.”
Strus turned heads during the preseason, leading the Heat in scoring by averaging 16.5 points and also adding five rebounds. And in true “Mad Max” fashion, he demonstrated the ability to flourish from the perimeter and a flare for driving to the basket.
Yes, it was a sample size.
But in only two games, he shot 50% (12-for-24) from the field and 47% (9-for-19) from 3-point range.
That type of efficiency and potential is what secured Strus a roster spot.
And it could be why the Heat haven’t played him early in the season. They may be waiting until the season begins to — pardon the pun — heat up before unleashing Strus.
“I do believe they’re saving me for the middle of the season,” he said. “The Heat have confidence with every player on the roster. I’m the lowest guy on the totem pole and Jimmy Butler is yelling at me to shoot the ball.
“It gives you confidence, that’s for sure.”
The Heat, along with several other NBA teams, have chosen not to roster a G League team this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.
That means Strus will be with the Heat all season.
“I’ll be traveling with the team and practicing with them every day,” Strus said. “It’s been an unbelievable experience.”
Strus played in two games totaling three minutes last season with the Bulls.
He likely would have received more playing time, but during a G League game in December 2019, he tore the ACL in his left knee, which required surgery.
His season was over.
“The hardest thing was that I knew I was going to get my chance with the Bulls,” Strus said. “But everything happens for a reason.”
Strus rehabbed his knee at the Bulls’ practice facility up until Nov. 23. That’s when the team’s new management informed him they weren’t going to resign him.
While not being wanted by his hometown team stung for a few minutes, an opportunity with Miami emerged.
Strus would soon find out why the Heat have won three NBA championships, six conference titles and nine division titles since 2006.
I don’t have to remind you of the Bulls’ ongoing woes.
“You read about the Miami Heat culture all the time,” Strus said. “They want to win and win at the highest level. It’s real and it’s the truth. That’s the mindset from the first day.
“Your teammates have confidence in you and hold each other accountable.”
Physically, Strus feels better than ever. He still has massive hops, and the limited experience last season taught him much about the NBA.
He has applied that experience. Moving forward, he believes the future is exceedingly bright.
Anyone who knows Strus’ story believes it, too.
“I learned so much from last season,” he said. “I know what it takes to be a professional. This is just the beginning.”
More Top Picks Best Flicker Free Monitors For Eye Comfort