Henderson Hip Thrusts Nik Stauskas Into Spotlight

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Apr 7, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings head coach George Karl reacts during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Sleep Train Arena. The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Sacramento Kings 105 to 97. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports /

Abandoned By Kings

Nik Stauskas was part of the 2015 blockbuster trade between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Sacramento Kings. You may recall that trade as somewhat one-sided, and it was. It was the way things seemed to go under former president Sam Hinkie: absorb overpaid veteran contracts and earn prospects and draft picks.

"“At the end of the day does a part of you say it sucks that a team gave up on? Yeah. I guess so. No one wants to be given up on. But at the same time, I think they did me a favor by sending me here. So I’m not really mad about it.”- Stauskas in interview with Keith Pompey, Philly.com"

In their lone meeting this year, Stauskas put up four points and 19 minutes against his former team. While not the way he would have liked that to go, it exemplifies the type of December he is having.

At first, Nik Stauskas must dig down to the place where his dreams of playing basketball originated. At the same time, he must answer the call of perseverance, of how badly does he want this. Finally, he must ignore the fear of failure, and hitch all of his efforts upon his dreams of success.

Next: Sixers Celtics Have Similar Surplus Situations That Could Mean Trade

Perhaps working out into the wee hours, and on Christmas day, is the sign that he already has done that. Philly fans love the emergence of a young player on the team. But he has to WANT it.
Here is your chance Nik. Let’s see what you got.