From Division II underdog to NBA Finals contender and buzzer-beating specialist
In short: Max Strus’s path to the NBA was anything but linear. After receiving only one Division I offer, the Chicago native climbed through the collegiate ranks and the grueling two-way contract system to become a vital piece of the Miami Heat's 2023 Finals run.
Strus's ascent is a testament to late development and perseverance. During his sophomore year of high school, he stood only 5'9", but a significant growth spurt saw him reach 6'5" by graduation. This physical transformation preceded a dominant collegiate career, beginning at Division II Lewis University. There, he set school records by scoring 666 points in a single season and recording 167 free throws made, before transferring to DePaul to compete at the Division I level.
His professional journey was marked by significant volatility. After going undrafted in 2019, Strus navigated the precarious world of NBA roster spots, moving from the Boston Celtics to the Chicago Bulls. A torn ACL and bone bruise in his left knee during his rookie season threatened to derail his momentum, sidelining him for 8 to 12 months. However, he successfully rebuilt his career with the Miami Heat, eventually signing a two-year, $3.5 million contract in 2021.
Strus has since become known for high-stakes performances. In 2024, while playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers, he executed one of the most remarkable sequences in recent history: scoring five three-pointers in just 67 seconds during a game against the Dallas Mavericks, including a buzzer-beating shot from 59 feet. This feat marked the second longest game-winning buzzer-beater since 1979. His career has since taken him from the Heat to the Cavaliers and eventually to the Los Angeles Clippers in a 2026 five-team trade.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Max Strus
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