Miami Heat guard Max Strus had an improbable journey to becoming a starter on the top team in the East.
Strus spent his first two seasons playing Division-II college basketball at Lewis University before transferring to DePaul University. After going undrafted, he eventually landed with the Chicago Bulls, his hometown team, but suffered a torn ACL. Then, when he thought his NBA career might be over before it got any traction, the Miami Heat called and allowed him to compete for a roster spot.
After earning a two-way contract with the Heat, Strus played well enough to sign a multi-year deal. Now, Miami is 13-2, with Strus as a starter heading into the playoffs.
Following a practice with the Heat, Strus spoke with HoopsHype over the phone and discussed his journey to the NBA, how a conversation with his coach at DePaul changed his outlook, behind the scenes with the Heat, Jimmy Butler as a teammate, his desire to remain in Miami long-term, and much more.