During Strus’ three seasons in South Beach, he built a strong on-court connection with Adebayo — the 6-foot-9 two-time All-Star center and four-time All-NBA Second Team defender who has become the linchpin of Miami’s D and a fulcrum on the other end with pick and rolls, dribble handoffs and post-ups. In hopes of developing that same chemistry with the 22-year-old Mobley — a partnership that started blossoming during the team’s voluntary pre-camp workouts — Strus asked Cleveland’s video team to splice up some Adebayo clips for Mobley to study.
“I feel like it’s very similar to how I like playing [pick-and-roll] as well. I feel like it’s gonna be really good,” Mobley said when asked about his potential playing alongside Strus. “Just playing with him, getting to know him, me and him were good in the two-man game and pick-and-roll. He knows how to find me in the pocket when I want it, and also he’s a threat for shooting as well. That creates a lot of openings for me, and if not for me, then for him. We’ve been working on it since day one. I feel like that two-man game is gonna be getting better and better by the day.
Evan’s a phenomenal passer and has great vision, let alone being a phenomenal scorer already,” Strus said. “As young as he is and as talented as he is, I think me and him can build a connection together. I can’t put a timeline on how long it’s gonna take. But all these training camp reps, preseason games, first couple weeks of the season, we’re gonna keep building our foundation together and keep building that connection. Hopefully, by midseason, it’s as good as it can get. I do see a good future with me and Evan in those handoffs and stuff like that.
Strus and Mobley have both discussed the intricacies of a successful collaboration. They need to learn each other’s tendencies and footwork. They’ve got to identify each other’s comfort zones on the floor. Rhythm and timing are both paramount
“Max just knows how to find the pocket at that right exact time,” Mobley said. “I guess he’s been playing with it for a while, so he’s used to that. I feel like it’s gonna be really good. It allows us to play in many different ways and spread the floor. Spacing is gonna be even better, so it really helps us a lot.”
Chris
