Daily Links for Oct. 3: Max Strus, starting small forward

The first sip

Max Strus, when asked at media day if he expected to start, said “Yes.” That was the whole answer from Strus — to the point and likely correct.

Let’s assume Strus starts. That would mean a starting five of Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell, Strus, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. Let’s say the Cavs go nine deep and, to start the year, play Geroges Niang, Caris LeVert, Isaac Okoro and one of Dean Wade, Ty Jerome and Damian Jones match-up depending. That feels like a rotation that makes sense and has pieces that make sense together. There are some questions — Is there enough shooting? Is there enough defense size? — but it’s a group that makes sense.

Also: Strus should start. Cavs head coach J.B. Bickerstaff declined to say who would start when asked, but he has to be the starter. It makes too much sense.

Read this

Howard Beck at the Ringer on why NBA executives are happy about the Damian Lillard trade

Links of the day

LeBron is passing the face of the Lakers franchise to AD. Sure?

Devin Vassell absolutely got paid. He’s a what if for the Cavs in the 2020 NBA Draft.

Kawhi talks the NBA’s rest policy

Jimmy Butler is 1 of 1

No James Harden at media day meant his teammates having to talk a lot about him