The Cleveland Cavaliers had a very good regular season in 2022-23 but they ended up falling apart in the playoffs.
Many fans said that was because they were just missing one final piece that would make everything click into place.
Is Max Strus that final piece?
The Cavaliers seem to think so and, according to Chris Fedor via NBACentral, they are planning to have him in the starting lineup in the new season.
That means the projected starting lineup for 2023-24 is Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell, Strus, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen.
The Cleveland Cavaliers acquired Max Strus with the intention of having him in the starting lineup, per @ChrisFedor
Cavs’ projected starting lineup:
Darius Garland
Donovan Mitchell
Max Strus
Evan Mobley
Jarrett Allen
🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/5h8uP91e6U— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) September 25, 2023
The core four of Garland, Mitchell, Mobley, and Allen are strong and the addition of Strus could make them even stronger.
Last season, the forward posted 11.5 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists a game when playing for the Miami Heat.
When Strus was acquired by the Cavaliers in the summer, it wasn’t immediately clear what plans the team had for him.
Was he going to be a starter or a bench player?
Apparently, Cleveland envisions him as part of the starting lineup.
Not only does Strus have skills that will help the team, but he also has some important postseason experience.
He has been in the playoffs for the last three seasons and reached the NBA Finals in 2022-23 and the Eastern Conference Finals the season before.
This will be key for the Cavaliers, who appeared lost and overwhelmed under the bright lights of the playoffs.
Fans of the team are expecting great things and they are hopeful that Strus can elevate the Cavaliers to the next level.
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