I was more focused on how well the new additions looked like they fit within the flow of the offense. Strus obviously understands his role here and executed it beautifully in a win without our defensive anchor. It was hard af to win without JA last season, and it still didn’t look particularly easy vs. an average BK squad, but it’s an improvement with Max out there.

Niang didn’t really do much, and Jones is a serviceable big in a pinch. But the big question was: Does Max make us complete? Does he complete me? And I got my answer. Provided we haven’t seen him out there with JA yet, I think our starting 5 can bang with anyone, an Okoro will raise the quality of our biggest weakness…the bench. Our bench is god-awful if Okoro starts. So play good as you want Ice, we need you on the bench because you got to lift it up, carry it, and run with it all. damn. season.

He had an amazing game. Intensity was high and it immediately seems like he can play the 4.

Quick reminder that if he was in the 2023 nba draft, he wouldn’t even be the oldest player taken in the first round. He’s still so young and has so much time to keep working and put it all together. Seems like the kind of guy that somewhere in his next contract, the experience will have it all click and he’ll be a consistent night in and out two way player. Badly want him to sign a 5 year deal as the cap jump in 2025 will keep whatever he signs next year at a low % of the cap by the end of the deal

I actually think the signing of Strus will allow Okoro to play more free this year.

Okoro had a lot of pressure to be that needed 3 point shooter for kick outs. That’s Strus now or Niang even…

Im hoping this will allow Okoro to play more of his game and blossom into the role player we need so we feel he is worthy of a contract extension after this year.

He is amazing!

He’s still unwilling to shoot. The good news is that a fast pace team clearly benefits him and highlights the few offensive strengths he has. Glad he looked so well

Most people here are really resistant to the idea that he’s a plus ball handler and play maker/creator bc we asked him to stand in the corner for the past 3 years

They will come around, no need to shout about it

How many things can we talk about at once?

Him playing at PF is making the game easier for him and the team. I’m hoping the when Allen comes back is something like this: Garland, Mitchell, Strus, Mobley, Allen - second lineup: Jerome, Garland, Strus, Okoro, Mobley.