NBA Draft 2014: The Shooter from Michigan

If the 76ers are looking for a shooter, then Nik Stauskas might fit that role. After the departure of Trey Burke and Tim Hardaway Jr. last season, Stauskas was really able to show his worth as a prospect. More importantly, he was able to show that he can do more things than just shoot the basketball. But, he can always fall back on his shooting, which is a great thing to have. Considering the 76ers shot 31 percent from deep (30th in the NBA) last season, Stauskas’ shooting would be welcomed with open arms.

Stauskas is a 6-foot-6 shooting guard from Michigan, however he’s originally from Canada. He has a wingspan close to 6-foot-8, along with 12.1 percent body fat. His max vertical at the 2014 NBA Draft Combine was measured at 35.5. Stauskas is known mainly as a shooter, but his max vertical proves that he has some bounce to his game.

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During his sophomore season at Michigan, Stauskas averaged 17.5 points, 3.3 assists, and 2.9 rebounds. Stauskas shot 47 percent

Dec 21, 2013; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Michigan Wolverines guard Nik Stauskas (11) reacts after hitting a three-point shot against the Stanford Cardinals during the first half of a Brooklyn Hoops Holiday Invitational game at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

from the field and 44 percent from deep on close to six three’s per game. Shooting with his feet set proves to be one of his specialities, as Stauskas scored 1.51 PPP on catch/shoot jumpers (per DraftExpress). He can knock it down from anywhere on the court and has the ability to stop on a dime, especially in transition. His mid-range shooting is just as deadly as his shooting from three.

One thing I loved to see from watching tape on Stauskas was his ability to excel in the dribble handoff. He has the ability to rise up from anywhere, even if it’s a few feet from behind the three-point line from a dribble handoff. His release is very quick and he’s a confident shooter.

But what else does Stauskas contribute besides shooting?

While he’s not a point guard by any means, Stauskas has some really nice passing abilities. He only tossed 3.3 assists per game this season, but he had a 2.6 assist/turnover ratio. Stauskas is an unselfish player and has no problem making the extra pass — he enjoys making the right play.

Pick-and-roll is always an integral part of any basketball program. Stauskas passed on 42.4 percent of his P-n-R possessions last season, which accumulated 1.43 PPP, per DraftExpress.There’s no doubt that Stauskas is a two guard in the NBA, but having someone that can handle the ball is always a positive. Shooter’s are great, but being one dimensional is never a positive. Stauskas’ ability to facilitate and make the right play are reasons why he is expected to be a lottery selection. Being such a deadly shooter, defenses will always key in on Stauskas, which will leave plenty of opportunities for other players to pick up quick buckets.

Another improvement in his game from his freshman to sophomore season was his slashing. He has the ability to finish with both hands and can easily get to the lane because defenders will be pressed up on him to limit his shooting. Earlier, I brought up his 35 inch max vertical, this is key. Stauskas can easily rise up for a jam if the lane is open. He might be a shooter first, but he can still bang.

There are some concerns about his defense, which are justified. He has a very high body fat at 12.1 percent. He isn’t the fastest guy and has problem moving laterally. Also, at 207 lbs he can easily be pushed around. However, he’s still a great prospect because of his offensive skillset. He might just be the best shooter in this class. The 76ers need a shooter bad and I wouldn’t mind seeing this guy in a 76ers uniform come October.

Do you want to see this skilled shooter in a 76ers jersey?