**Cleveland Cavaliers Head Coach Kenny Atkinson Sends Clear Message to Max Strus Regarding Off-Court Attention**
CLEVELAND — Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson has sent a firm, yet clear message to guard/forward Max Strus about his off-court behavior, emphasizing that distractions can no longer be tolerated within the team’s tight-knit culture. Atkinson, known for his no-nonsense coaching style, made it clear that players must maintain focus both on and off the court.
The message comes after Strus, who joined the Cavaliers in a notable offseason acquisition, has attracted attention for off-court activities that have raised questions. While the Cavaliers have made significant strides in rebuilding and retooling their roster, Atkinson’s public comments underscore the importance of commitment, discipline, and professionalism for all players, particularly those with high expectations like Strus.
“Off the court, we need guys who are locked in on being the best version of themselves, both on and off the floor,” Atkinson said after the Cavaliers’ recent practice. “Max is a talented player, and we believe in his potential, but the focus has to be on basketball. There’s no room for distractions in this organization. We need to keep our eyes on the prize.”
Strus, who was previously with the Miami Heat, has displayed his shooting prowess and ability to contribute as a versatile wing. His arrival in Cleveland was seen as a major boost for the Cavaliers’ offense, giving them another sharp shooter to pair alongside stars like Darius Garland and Evan Mobley. However, it appears that the team’s leadership wants to ensure that Strus, along with others, stays fully committed to the team’s goals as they continue their playoff push in the Eastern Conference.
Sources within the Cavaliers organization report that Atkinson has been directly communicating with Strus about his off-court attention, urging him to focus more on basketball and less on other outside factors. Though the team’s leadership is optimistic that Strus will respond positively, this latest message has drawn attention to the ongoing balance that players must strike between maintaining their public profiles and fully embracing their role within a professional team.
“We have high standards here, and it’s about building a winning culture,” Atkinson added. “We need guys to not just be great players, but great teammates and professionals.”
As Strus continues to adjust to his new role in Cleveland, it’s clear that his off-court behavior will be closely monitored moving forward. For the Cavaliers, ensuring that every player is aligned with the team’s vision is paramount if they are to make a serious run at the playoffs this season. The next few weeks will be critical in determining how Strus responds to Atkinson’s message and whether he can fully buy into the expectations of his new team.