Analyzing How Nik Stauskas Can Become Manu
By Josh Wilson
Oct 7, 2014; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Nik Stauskas (10) drives to the basket against Toronto Raptors forward Jordan Hamilton (25) during the third quarter at Sleep Train Arena.The Sacramento Kings defeated the Toronto Raptors 113-106. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
Last year was a disappointing debut season for–now Philadelphia 76ers team member–Nik Stauskas. The year had high expectations for a player that was drafted in the top 10, but the year ended with lots of unfulfilled expectations and unsatisfied goals for both the team and Nik.
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Speaking about his now passed situation in Sacramento with the Free Association podcast, Stauskas really opened up, calling his role with the Kings “pigeon holed,” as he was expected to be a shooter. This shouldn’t have been much of a surprise, considering he shot above 45% in his final college season from beyond the arc, but apparently the stress on being a long range guy was just not a comfortable feeling for Stauskas. Perhaps he didn’t feel that he could be offensively flexible.
With the Sixers, it seems as though things are going a bit more smoothly. On the same podcast, Stauskas mentioned that head coach Brett Brown has been in contact with Stauskas. Although he’s still expected to be a shooter as the Sixers look for some long range game to spark their offense, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him having more flexibility on the team, and more chances to drive to the hoop.
Brown thrown around an idea, and set a goal in Stauskas’ mind that he could be a modern version of Manu Ginobili.
We asked you guys what you thought, and the general consensus seems to be that he will never be as good as Manu was in his prime, but he has the potential to get close to that.
This statement by Brown seems a bit off at first, but after further examination, I see what Brown means, and I also see how Stauskas could out-do Ginobili and his career. It all starts with turnovers, or a lack thereof.
Next: Turnovers