Biggest question for Max Strus entering 2022-23

The Miami Heat want to pay their homegrown guys and that’s why this season is a big one for Max Strus. Coming up on a contract year, that’s always big for any athlete.

Strus is in line to get a nice free-agent deal, whether in Miami or elsewhere. And for that reason, he has a lot of things to prove this season.

Cracking the starting lineup for Miami towards the end of last season, he would start every game during the postseason. This season, Strus has begun the year coming off the bench but hasn’t made a fuss about it.

In a free agency year nonetheless, you love to see him put the team first, especially with what seems like no public complaint. He is a high-level three-point shooter and has been a solid defender since joining Miami.

But that’s where we get to his biggest question and especially with him now coming off the bench. You also take this into account with his up-and-down showings so far this season.

Biggest Question For Max Strus: Can He Excel In Whatever Role The Miami Heat Assign Him?

On Monday night against the Toronto Raptors, Strus started at the four.

The Miami Heat consistently find really good talent and Max Strus is no different. This season though, can the sniper succeed in a myriad of roles?

He struggled from three but as a whole, Miami did as well.

Throughout the season though with injury and absence, he’ll need to be ready to slot into either forward spot along the starting lineup. Now, you keep in mind with all of that, their options at the four could be better.

Caleb Martin is starting at the four this year and quite frankly, that position could still be in play for Strus to start as well. He needs to show that he can play that spot though without getting killed on the boards.

He’s a solid on-ball defender and a good team defender. Guarding bigger players will also be a huge part of that challenge for him.

His ethic to improve is indicated by the shape he came into the season in. He needs to continue to knock down threes and defend at a good level, that’s certain.

You also would love to see him continue to put the ball on the floor as well, as that can continue to open the game up for him and his team. So, with his work ethic, his existing tools, and if he can defend bigger forwards at a solid level, then he has a chance to finish games, no matter where he comes into them from.

And that’s why this is his biggest question coming into this season.