Even with just two games under his belt since returning, Max Strus has already shown he’ll be an important piece for the Cavaliers as they approach the playoffs, according to Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com.
He was part of the closing group in Tuesday’s win over Milwaukee, and head coach Kenny Atkinson plans to keep him heavily involved.
“I have such a comfort level with him,” Atkinson said. “I could see it going any way with him. Maybe starting lineup. Maybe sixth man. We will see how that plays out.
“But it’s hard not to finish with the guy because he is such a clutch player. We’ll see where it ends up. He has a way of imposing his will and makes you put him in the lineup.”
After being sidelined since late August following foot surgery, Strus finished Tuesday with six points, six rebounds, and four assists in 23 minutes off the bench, including a late three-pointer that helped secure the win.
Fedor reports that Atkinson intends to ramp up his minutes over the final 13 games, targeting a consistent role in the high 20s by playoff time.
His return creates a logjam on the wing, with Keon Ellis, Dennis Schröder, and Sam Merrill also in the mix, while second-year wing Jaylon Tyson could be the odd man out.
“I’m still evaluating who fits and who is going to kind of take the lead in terms of getting in that rotation,” Atkinson said.
“We haven’t made a clear decision on who those nine are. Still think we have to evaluate, especially our wings. Have a lot of wings right now.”
Central Notes: Strus, Siakam, Pacers, Ivey https://t.co/5YwB1Y8OlS pic.twitter.com/T0u0LrXdzv
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) March 19, 2026
