To people worldwide, Max Strus is best known as a three-point shooter. From an unforgettable half-court buzzer-beater to unconscious heat checks, to efficiencies that are hard not to notice on his stat sheets, Strus is as elite as they come. He was a phenomenal addition by the LA Clippers front office, especially when you factor in how little they gave up.
On top of helping the team with his expertise, though, Strus’ best skill will significantly help the Clippers’ fifth overall pick, Keaton Wagler. Why is that? Well, Wagler will be given more room to operate, as opponents will be worried about the veteran three-point shooter on the perimeter.
In simple terms, when Strus and Wagler share the court, there will be more opportunities for the rookie to get a bucket.
Max Strus’ three-point shooting will do wonders for Keaton Wagler
Offensively, one of the goals for Tyronn Lue and the LA Clippers’ coaching staff should be to make Keaton Wagler’s life as easy as possible, by any means necessary. There are a lot of avenues to take, but an easy one is to have Max Strus running the floor alongside Wagler for extended periods.
While Wagler is great from long distances, he loves to go to work inside the paint. Whether that is driving aggressively to the cup, tossing up a floater, or getting a bucket in the mid-range, the 19-year-old displayed his ability to do each at a high level in his one-and-done season for the Illinois Fighting Illini.
To translate this to the NBA, Strus’ three-point prowess, where he has consistently shot above 35% on 5.9 attempts or more for the last five seasons, will come in handy.
Strus can pick-and-pop from screens where the defense cannot go under, constantly move around off the ball, or stay in place ready to let it fly, and Wagler will find it effortless to get to his sweet spots in the paint.
Of course, the defense has the option to double-team Wagler when he steps inside. However, that’s a recipe for disaster, as Strus is a guy who will definitely make them pay for their choices.
That said, Clipper Nation should be ready to witness Wagler do lots of damage in the paint throughout his rookie season. Credit for his excellence will go to several players and coaches, but Strus will be at the top of the list.
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