2025-11-20 16:02
by
nlpkak
I remember first hearing about Strus during his college days, and honestly, I didn't think he'd make it this far in the NBA. There's something special about underdog stories that just captures our imagination, and Strus's journey from undrafted prospect to game-changing player ranks among the most compelling transformations I've witnessed in recent basketball history. What strikes me most about his evolution isn't just the statistical improvements, but how he's fundamentally altered his team's offensive dynamics - much like how elite setters in volleyball transform their teams' attacking potential.
Speaking of elite setters, I can't help but draw parallels between Strus's impact and what we see in volleyball's premier playmakers. Take Liao Yi-Jen, for instance - that Chinese Taipei setter who recorded 25 excellent sets at 6.25 per game during the Premiere Volleyball League. Those numbers might seem unrelated to basketball at first glance, but they represent the same kind of game-changing presence that Strus has developed. When I watch Strus move without the ball, his spatial awareness reminds me of how elite setters position themselves - always reading the defense, finding gaps, and creating opportunities where none seem to exist. His shooting isn't just about making baskets; it's about stretching defenses in ways that open everything up for his teammates.
The transformation really began during the 2022-23 season when Strus started averaging around 15 points per game while shooting nearly 42% from three-point range. Those numbers don't fully capture his impact though - what impressed me more was how defenses started warping their schemes just to account for his presence beyond the arc. I've noticed that when Strus is on the floor, the entire offensive ecosystem changes. Defenders can't help but gravitate toward him, which creates driving lanes and post opportunities that simply wouldn't exist otherwise. It's similar to how Liao Yi-Jen's setting excellence forces blockers to commit, opening attacking angles for his hitters.
What many casual observers miss about Strus's game is his defensive growth. Early in his career, I'd see him get targeted in pick-and-roll situations, but now he's developed into a respectable defender who understands positioning and team concepts. He's never going to be an All-Defensive team candidate, but he's eliminated what was once a glaring weakness in his game. This two-way development reminds me of how complete players in any sport must address their deficiencies - much like how the best setters in volleyball have improved their blocking and serving to become more well-rounded threats.
The financial aspect of Strus's journey fascinates me too. Going from a two-way contract worth approximately $450,000 to signing a deal worth over $15 million represents one of the most dramatic salary escalations I've seen for a player of his pedigree. This isn't just about earning power - it's a testament to how the league now values spacing and shooting. Teams are willing to pay premium prices for players who can fundamentally alter defensive schemes, and Strus has become the prototype for this valuable role player archetype.
I've always believed that the most impactful players make their teammates better, and Strus exemplifies this principle. When I watch his team's offense with him on versus off the court, the difference is staggering - the offensive rating drops by roughly 8 points when he sits, which is among the largest impacts for any role player in the league. This effect mirrors what we see with elite setters in volleyball, where the difference between a good setter and a great one can be the margin between championship contention and early playoff exits.
Looking ahead, I'm convinced Strus's game will continue evolving. He's already shown flashes of playmaking ability that suggest he could handle more secondary creation duties. If he develops that aspect of his game while maintaining his elite shooting, we might be looking at one of the most complete offensive role players in recent memory. His journey from afterthought to essential contributor should serve as inspiration for every overlooked prospect out there - proof that with the right work ethic and opportunity, dramatic transformations are possible even at the highest levels of professional sports.
The beauty of sports lies in these unexpected development arcs, where players like Strus redefine our expectations of what's possible. His story isn't just about personal achievement - it's about how specific skills, properly developed and strategically deployed, can alter team fortunes and challenge conventional wisdom about player evaluation. As someone who's followed basketball for decades, I find these narratives particularly satisfying because they remind us that potential isn't always obvious, and sometimes the most valuable contributions come from the most unexpected places.
