As a high-end role player and one of the NBA's best three-point shooters, Max Strus hasn’t lived up to expectations since joining the LA Clippers. In fact, Strus is shooting from beyond the arc at an atrocious 30% on 7.5 attempts. That is not a good look at all for a player earning over $16 million.
However, Strus should receive the benefit of the doubt, as he is fresh off an injury and is adjusting to a new environment. After being traded from the Cleveland Cavaliers to the Clippers over the summer, the veteran wing partially tore the plantar fascia in his right foot in the first preseason game. He was given a four-week re-evaluation period, and he returned in exactly that time frame, which is not common.
So, before we draw any conclusions about his time as a Clipper, let’s wait until Strus has a sufficient sample size under his belt.
The LA Clippers need to be patient with Max Strus
The LA Clippers need Max Strus to be playing at his absolute best. Not only because it’ll help the Clippers win games, but because it’ll keep his trade value high. Strus doesn’t appear to be someone the front office plans to hold on to beyond this season, and with his contract expiring, they could get a solid return for him, only if he’s producing well.
But to get there, it’s a process that won’t happen overnight; it may take several games, or even weeks, as adapting to a change of scenery fresh off an injury is no easy task.
Honestly speaking, there’s a ton of optimism that Strus will begin to flourish at some point in the near future. We know this because he has spent the last two seasons on the sidelines for extended periods.
In 2024-25, the former undrafted free agent suffered an ankle sprain, and last season he underwent surgery on his left foot for a fracture. Both times, he found a rhythm and eventually finished the year as one of the most efficient three-point shooters.
It’s definitely worth noting he’s staying aggressive and not shying away from letting it fly. This is crucial to his return to the version of himself we all know.
That said, patience is the key with Strus. Head coach Tyronn Lue must keep encouraging him and playing him so he can eventually feel the positive impact he brings.
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