Max Strus, Duncan Robinson Forever Linked Because Of Roundabout Paths To NBA

Duncan Robinson and Max Strus both could have given up early in their careers.

Fortunately for the Miami Heat and Cleveland Cavaliers, they never did. Both are forever linked after going undrafted out of college. They meet again tonight as opponents following their stint as teammates with the Heat.

Strus is in his first year with the Cavs.

"You have to be inspired by each off their stories," Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. "That's so uncommon, both of them to take the path that they did. So many young kids get discouraged but if you have a goal, a vision, are relentless with your fortitude, it shows you crazy things can happen."

Their stories are well documented by now. Robinson played at the Division III level before earning an invite to Michigan. Strus did the same but landed at DePaul.

"They both found a way to Division I programs and had to come through this league without getting drafted," Spoelstra said. "I think they can relate to each other from that standpoint. They're different players. I think it's easy to say they're the same but not. Each player does different things. It's fun to see that dynamic. We really enjoyed that time with Max."

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Shandel Richardson covers the Miami Heat for Inside The Heat, a Fan Nation channel for Sports Illustrated. He has covered the NBA since 2010.

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