Cleveland Cavs head coach Kenny Atkinson raves about Max Strus’ flexibility to fit in with various lineups. So much so, Atkinson can’t decide whether to start or assign a sixth-man role ahead of the postseason. However, it’s been a long journey to even be in this position. Strus made his 2025-26 regular-season debut in a 130-120 loss to the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday. After missing 67 games, he scored 24 points on 7-for-9 shooting, including six threes.
Strus returned to form. After a 123-116 win against the Milwaukee Bucks, Atkinson discussed the dilemma he’s facing as the playoffs approach, he said, per The Cleveland Plain Dealer’s Chris Fedor.
“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.”
Struss finished with six points, six rebounds, and four assists. He’s come off the bench in both of his first two games back.
Jason Kidd reacts to Cavs’ Max Strus season debut
© Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
Despite All-Star Donovan Mitchell having one of the worst shooting nights, head coach Kenny Atkinson and the Cavs managed to bounce back from losing to head coach Jason Kidd and the Mavericks in Tuesday’s seven-point win against the Bucks. Although the Cavs lost by 10 to a team with one of the worst records in the NBA, Strus’ efficient shooting display was undoubtedly a silver lining.
After the game, Kidd reacted to Strus’ shooting performance, per The Dallas Morning News’ Mike Curtis.
“Ooh, he was good tonight—six for seven from 3. Being out as long as he was, I think we all thought he might be a little rusty… He looked really good. He looked like he’d been playing all season,” Kidd said.
The Cavs will face the Bulls on Thursday.