3. Nik Stauskas, getting there
Look, I like Nik Stauskas. He makes quick, smart decisions that will pay major dividends when the game slows down for him and his body continues to improve. Perhaps the most telling statistic to point to his decision making is that he ranks in the 94th percentile in points per possessions off screens, per synergy. Translation: when given a set of moving variables, he knows what decision to make. Acknowledge the patience here.
He knows what reactions will result from his actions. As he figures out how to better use his physical tools to his advantage, he’ll be dangerous.
A lot of his misses look like this:
And a lot of his turnovers look like this:
I rarely find Stauskas’ mind in the wrong place. I’m all in on “poor man’s Manu Ginobili.”
4. Ersan Ilyasova: The Professional Flopper
Flopping is garbage. I have no respect for it at any level of hoops. If your value as a player is contingent upon deceiving referees, you don’t deserve to be on the floor.
The most common defense for single instances of flopping is that the player is willing to do whatever it takes to win the game. I’m reminded of one of my all-time favorite quotes from one of my youth league coaches: “We never lose our character over a game.”
Ilyasova has seemed to have a positive locker room impact on the young Sixers. He provides a composed veteran presence and even earned the nickname “the Professional.”
But the flopping is tough to stomach. He received a warning on November 25th for his flop against the Memphis Grizzlies. That oughta show him. The league should listen to Jeff Van Gundy and tighten up their rules.