Philadelphia 76ers Players That Need To Do Better

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Nov 13, 2015; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Nik Stauskas (11) drives to the basket in front of Oklahoma City Thunder forward Nick Collison (4) during the second quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports

Nik Stauskas

Staying with the guard scenario, let’s talk about Nik Stauskas. Although he’s already on pace for a much better season than last year, I’m not sure it’s going to be enough, unless he starts to kick some things into gear.

Against the Toronto Raptors, Stauskas shot 3/11 from the field (2/7 from beyond the arc). Even when he has no defenders near him, it seems as if he has trouble sinking shots. So far this year he’s shooting below 30% from beyond the arc, and below 40% from the field. This is not good and not what Sixers fans expected from the kid who was considered a “shooter” at Michigan.

I’m suggesting that Stauskas gets moved to the bench, and Canaan gets a start at shooting guard. There’s no shame in this, but some players really operate better off of the bench. I think allowing Stauskas to watch the game unfold for a little before checking in may help him, and playing McConnell alongside Canaan gives T.J. another option to pass to (although he should be shooting).

All in all, Stauskas is slipping towards what he was in Sacramento last season, which is exactly what we don’t want him to do in Philadelphia.

Next: Isaiah Canaan