Max Strus shares how he grew up idolizing Derrick Rose and Jimmy Butler

Illinois native Max Strus grew up watching two of his favorite Bulls legends Derrick Rose and Jimmy Butler.

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Max Strus may now be the toast of South Beach, but the 3-and-D specialist is a proud son of Illinois who grew up watching the Chicago Bulls and idolizing two of the franchise's new-era icons, former league MVP Derrick Rose and current teammate Jimmy Butler.

Born and raised in Illinois

Strus is shining bright in Miami, but his roots run deep in Illinois. Born in Hickory Hills, he played his high school ball at Stagg High School before moving on to play college basketball at Lewis University and then DePaul in Chicago. The tough sharpshooter admitted that he naturally rooted for the Bulls and their two stars.

"When I was a kid growing up in Chicago, him (Butler) and Derrick Rose were my favorite players to watch," Strus said.

Remarkable path to NBA relevancy

It's been quite a ride for the 6-foot-5 wingman, who went undrafted in 2019 and then suffered an ACL tear while on a two-way contract with the Bulls. He soon made his way to the Heat where he's become a key member of the rotation and a trusted ally of Butler's.

"To be able to be on his team and share this journey of his career has been nothing short of astonishing. Just so happy to be here and so happy to help him."