The Sixer Sense
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Nik Stauskas Praying Third Time Is The Charm

By Bret Stuter

Sep 26, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard T.J. McConnell (1) and guard Nik Stauskas (11) during media day at the Philadelphia 76ers Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 26, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard T.J. McConnell (1) and guard Nik Stauskas (11) during media day at the Philadelphia 76ers Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 1, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Nik Stauskas (11) drives through the Charlotte Hornets defense during the first half of the game at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 1, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Nik Stauskas (11) drives through the Charlotte Hornets defense during the first half of the game at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports /

Third Time Is The Charm

And so, here we are. Year three of his career, and for all intents and purposes, we are still waiting for experience to “kick in”.  His reputation was not in passing, rebounding, or even driving to the basket.

It was shooting the three point shot.

So far, that three point accuracy is still in shipment.  As a team, shooting from the three point line averaged 33.9 percent.  Last year, Stauskas fell below that average at 32.6 percent.

But this off-season, he did play with Team Canada this year, and focused on training.  He knows he needs a good training camp.  How good?  It’s put up or shut up time.

Hopefully, the game slows down for the Canadian shooting guard this year. Hopefully, weeks of training at shooting make it automatic in the heat of game play. Nobody wants Nik Stauskas to succeed. Fans merely want the best players on the team.

Next: Philadelphia 76ers: Analyzing Who Should Make the 15-Man Roster

There are no quick fixes to turn a career around in the NBA. It takes training, dedication, attitude, and opportunity.  Hopefully, these factors will align in time for Nik Stauskas to impress the team’s front office in time.  If they do, this could be a year worth watching. If not, the team has enough talent to part ways and never look back.  That’s the price of competition.  And that’s why the team needs to embrace competition this year.