Nik Stauskas

[lawlman91]

The Ben/Nik duo is crucial to whether or not the Kings will be relevant for years to come, and whether or not the Kings become a title contender. It's like having our own mini splash brothers. I really don't like people playing up a "competition" between them, and saying that only one can remain; in the future, I'd like to see them have about the same skill level, both being dangerous, and Coach Malone subbing them both in and out, depending on the needs of the night. Here's a prediction: Ben becomes the defensive option with decent offense; Nik becomes the scoring option with decent defense. Remember, basketball players aren't always ego-driven maniacs. Think Omri Casspi, Manu Ginobili, Jamal Crawford. At this rate, if Nik remains on the bench, it's only a matter of time when he gets sixth man of the year. It's more than possible to see both Ben and Nik make an impact on the same Kings team for years to come. It might seem too good to be true, but the possibility is there.

 

[twslam07]

The Ben/Nik duo is crucial to whether or not the Kings will be relevant for years to come, and whether or not the Kings become a title contender. It's like having our own mini splash brothers. I really don't like people playing up a "competition" between them, and saying that only one can remain; in the future, I'd like to see them have about the same skill level, both being dangerous, and Coach Malone subbing them both in and out, depending on the needs of the night. Here's a prediction: Ben becomes the defensive option with decent offense; Nik becomes the scoring option with decent defense. Remember, basketball players aren't always ego-driven maniacs. Think Omri Casspi, Manu Ginobili, Jamal Crawford. At this rate, if Nik remains on the bench, it's only a matter of time when he gets sixth man of the year. It's more than possible to see both Ben and Nik make an impact on the same Kings team for years to come. It might seem too good to be true, but the possibility is there.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again. I do think these two players can coexist. McLemore is molded closer to a 3 and D player with limited ballhandling/playmaking (at this point in time) while Stauskas has the ability to take people off the dribble, run the pick and roll, and find open men. McLemore would be our starter who would help contribute to a solid defensive starting unit all the while not requiring the ball in his hands to be effective on offense. Meanwhile, you have Stauskas come off the bench in a Ginobli/Harden role where he is a big player in the bench scoring and running the offense. Obviously, there is still a lot for them to work on, but you can see how it could work in the future, and it's not out of the realm of possibility to think that in time both McLemore and Stauskas could be our #3 and #4 scorers behind Cousins and Gay. McLemore in the Peja role (slashing/curling off screens/spotting-up) and Stauskas in the Ginobli role (sixth man scorer/playmaker).

 

[Livinthedream]

I don't get this line of thinking. Why do we only need one? Every other team in the NBA has more than one SG. If both develop properly, we could have a great starter and a great 6th man. Why wouldn't we want that?

Having a good bench is the difference between good teams and great teams.

My point wasn't whether a team can use two shooting guards. It's that it becomes a problem developing 2 SG at the same time who both need playing time and confidence boosts. Someone will get left behind.

Nik wasn't brought in to play with Ben. He was brought in to beat him out.

 

[Livinthedream]

The Ben/Nik duo is crucial to whether or not the Kings will be relevant for years to come, and whether or not the Kings become a title contender. It's like having our own mini splash brothers. I really don't like people playing up a "competition" between them, and saying that only one can remain; in the future, I'd like to see them have about the same skill level, both being dangerous, and Coach Malone subbing them both in and out, depending on the needs of the night. Here's a prediction: Ben becomes the defensive option with decent offense; Nik becomes the scoring option with decent defense. Remember, basketball players aren't always ego-driven maniacs. Think Omri Casspi, Manu Ginobili, Jamal Crawford. At this rate, if Nik remains on the bench, it's only a matter of time when he gets sixth man of the year. It's more than possible to see both Ben and Nik make an impact on the same Kings team for years to come. It might seem too good to be true, but the possibility is there.

And this is what I mean. We've slotted Ben back to a 3 and D guy and a limited offense guy, even though he's been averaging what Nik scored last night. And making plays off the dribble.

I like Nik. Great shooter. Ups and downs as a defender. Going to be good. Don't know about 6th man of the year. But you if you give Nik 30 minutes tonight and 8 minutes the next, it's not good for him or Ben. The only reason you do that is if your trying to give them a chance to beat eachother out for the position.

 

[twslam07]

My point wasn't whether a team can use two shooting guards. It's that it becomes a problem developing 2 SG at the same time who both need playing time and confidence boosts. Someone will get left behind.

Nik wasn't brought in to play with Ben. He was brought in to beat him out.

Not sure how you can say that so convincingly. Stauskas was known as a very good ballhandler in college. Is he capable of holding down PG right now? No, but players are capable of improving their ballhandling after entering the league. Just look at McLemore so far. He's already made considerable improvement in that area.

All I'm saying is that management could have envisioned playing them at the 1 and 2 or even at the 2 and 3. Once they refine their skills and get stronger, I don't see why there could be short stints where they play together.

 

[SacKings384]

To be fair here, Reggie Evans, Hollins, and JT were basically leaving their assignment to help Stauskas out. We left a LOT of guys open at the three point line. It's just that Utah stinks and missed them. Even Grant/Jerry kept mentioning how open they were. That kind of defensive gameplan won't work against better shooting teams, so Nick is going to have to figure out how to play solid D by himself with help only once the guy gets to the rack.

If you watch the game you'll see how far our bigs were coming out to hedge Nick's man, and it was causing a lot of issues with rotation. I'm happy for Nick and we need his shooting desperately. If he can get some confidence he's going to have even better looks when Boogie comes back.

Plus if you watch the guys on the bench, and how often guys were looking for him, they know he can be a good player. It was so awesome to see everyone pulling for him, standing up and cheering, getting him the ball a lot, etc. Hopefully he can carry it over to tonight and future games.

 

[Livinthedream]

All I'm saying is that management could have envisioned playing them at the 1 and 2 or even at the 2 and 3. Once they refine their skills and get stronger, I don't see why there could be short stints where they play together.

I could see the 2/3. Ben at the 3. But Rudy has the 3 locked down. I think mgmt was hedging its bets when they drafted Nik.

 

[lawlman91]

And this is what I mean. We've slotted Ben back to a 3 and D guy and a limited offense guy, even though he's been averaging what Nik scored last night. And making plays off the dribble.

I like Nik. Great shooter. Ups and downs as a defender. Going to be good. Don't know about 6th man of the year. But you if you give Nik 30 minutes tonight and 8 minutes the next, it's not good for him or Ben. The only reason you do that is if your trying to give them a chance to beat eachother out for the position.

Yeah, I'd like to see minute allocation become more consistent in the future; right now, Malone is figuring things out. As the two get better, we will likely see more consistent minutes from the both of them, albeit a Spurs-esque sort of minute distribution. Definitely possible, and would help this team stay relevant.

 

[twslam07]

I could see the 2/3. Ben at the 3. But Rudy has the 3 locked down. I think mgmt was hedging its bets when they drafted Nik.

He doesn't have to start next to Ben. He can earn minutes at the 3 when Rudy is out or when they slide Gay to the 4.

 

[lawlman91]

Not sure how you can say that so convincingly. Stauskas was known as a very good ballhandler in college. Is he capable of holding down PG right now? No, but players are capable of improving their ballhandling after entering the league. Just look at McLemore so far. He's already made considerable improvement in that area.

All I'm saying is that management could have envisioned playing them at the 1 and 2 or even at the 2 and 3. Once they refine their skills and get stronger, I don't see why there could be short stints where they play together.

I think Nik was meant to usurp Ben. But what we got was unexpected, given the recent development of Ben: the possibility of a solid SG position. In the future, I can see the SG position being locked down by these two guys.

 

[twslam07]

I will say this in Malone's defense. When you're looking to be competitive as possible, it's hard to give consistent minutes to players who are inconsistent. The more Nik and Ben develop and become consistent NBA players, the more consistent the rotations will be.

 

[lawlman91]

I will say this in Malone's defense. When you're looking to be competitive as possible, it's hard to give consistent minutes to players who are inconsistent. The more Nik and Ben develop and become consistent NBA players, the more consistent the rotations will be.

Yes! And who says that the person on the bench has to be sub-par? Can't you have a good bench guy? All players aren't like IT on the "I want to start" shizazzle.

 

[Spike]

I think Nik was meant to usurp Ben. But what we got was unexpected, given the recent development of Ben: the possibility of a solid SG position. In the future, I can see the SG position being locked down by these two guys.

In order for that to work, one of them will have to get backup minutes at PG, or we'll have to run a 3 guard lineup from time to time. I don't think you can just split those minutes down the middle.

 

[IfAt1st]

I think this entire thread is absurdly premature.

 

[twslam07]

I think this entire thread is absurdly premature.

 

[Chubbs]

I think this entire thread is absurdly premature.

That would only be true if this were posted before the game last night. Immediately after a surprising good game is basically the only time when these threads are posted.

 

[Livinthedream]

That would only be true if this were posted before the game last night. Immediately after a surprising good game is basically the only time when these threads are posted.

Yep. One or two games and my guy is an all star. I'm guilty

 

[Big Cuz 15]

damn kayte looks good

 

[bajaden]

People should recognize that rookies are rookies but many were ready to write off Nik 10 games into the season. It was a curious roller coaster with some thinking Nik would be better than Ben when Nik was drafted, then that he was worthless and then there was last night which shows promise. As fans, I think too many focus on the last game and not the bigger picture. Not me, of course.

We can use Ben and Nik. They are two different kinds of players. Decades ago the term "hang time" was used. Ben has hang time. He can be a tremendous defender and still have enough offense to be a two way threat. I suspect Nik will be the better all around offensive player and need to work hard to be a defender. I don't understand why we need to unload one. Why not have both? There are a lot of minutes and there are injuries and illnesses.

I agree, but it probably depends more on what someone might offer, than some impulsive need to only have one capable SG. No logic in the second scenario. Both players have their pluses and minuses and it's too early to project who might be the better of the two a few years from now. Ben is obviously the better athlete, but Nik is more skilled in some areas. So we have a little bit of both worlds, and there's nothing wrong with that. I might add, that when Nik add's some much needed muscle, he has the height and length to play some SF if necessary and the ballhandling skills and passing skills to play some point forward. That's not who we are right now, but both players look to have a bright future.

I don't see the Ginobli comparison as far as skill set at the same time in their careers goes. I don't know if people remember Ginobli when he came into the league, but he was like a bull in a china shop. Totally out of control at times, and a turnover machine. But hidden under that exterior was a very talented player. He just needed a governor installed. I can see the comparison as to how they might be used, but that's where it ends. Two totally different kind of players as rookies. It was nice to see Nik have a good game. Lets see if he can go back to back tonight. He needs to stay aggressive. Its OK to let the game come to you, up to a point. But sometimes you have to go out and grab it. You can't spread the floor if the other team doesn't know your there. You have to poke them once in a while and get their attention. Do that, and you'll get your teammates attention as well.

 

[Glenn]

I agree, but it probably depends more on what someone might offer, than some impulsive need to only have one capable SG. No logic in the second scenario. Both players have their pluses and minuses and it's too early to project who might be the better of the two a few years from now. Ben is obviously the better athlete, but Nik is more skilled in some areas. So we have a little bit of both worlds, and there's nothing wrong with that. I might add, that when Nik add's some much needed muscle, he has the height and length to play some SF if necessary and the ballhandling skills and passing skills to play some point forward. That's not who we are right now, but both players look to have a bright future.

I don't see the Ginobli comparison as far as skill set at the same time in their careers goes. I don't know if people remember Ginobli when he came into the league, but he was like a bull in a china shop. Totally out of control at times, and a turnover machine. But hidden under that exterior was a very talented player. He just needed a governor installed. I can see the comparison as to how they might be used, but that's where it ends. Two totally different kind of players as rookies. It was nice to see Nik have a good game. Lets see if he can go back to back tonight. He needs to stay aggressive. Its OK to let the game come to you, up to a point. But sometimes you have to go out and grab it. You can't spread the floor if the other team doesn't know your there. You have to poke them once in a while and get their attention. Do that, and you'll get your teammates attention as well.

At the very least, Nik knows that the team is behind him, especially Rudy and the coach himself. He may not duplicate this game tonight but his all important mind set is now changed. It was never his skill that was holding him back. I hope he duplicates last night's game tonight as I really want to win this one. It has nothing to do with the team involved but the psyche of the team.

A little of the topic but two key players have vets to mentor them. Evans is mentoring Cousins and Rudy is mentoring Nik. Perhaps as a lucky addition is that the mentors and students match personalities fairly well. Ray looking after Nik is ideal.

I didn't mention Ginobli just to be clear.

 

[funkykingston]

he's as tall as kayte =)

Yeah, I thought that was funny. I wonder if Kayte brings flats and heels to every game so she has the option depending on who she interviews.

Because Nik measured over 6'5" in bare feet at the combine and Kayte was always listed as 6'3".

 

[VF21]

Too soon, imo.

So basically you have no concept whatsoever of the reason for these threads? It is NEVER too soon to celebrate a good performance, especially from a rookie who has not been living up to our expectations. This is supposed to be a fun thread.

 

[VF21]

I think this entire thread is absurdly premature.

Not sure why you feel the need to take a whizz in somebody else's cereal bowl. If you don't like the thread, don't participate in it. Problem solved.

Some of us found joy in watching the rookie have a good night while contributing to a team win. If you didn't, that's your problem and not ours.

 

[Larry89]

Looks like a better ball handler and creator than Ramon Sessions, we should let Nik handle the ball sometimes, whats the worse that could happen? Sessions handling the ball?

 

[VF21]

That would only be true if this were posted before the game last night. Immediately after a surprising good game is basically the only time when these threads are posted.

I started the first Any Questions thread back in 2004 (it's gone now because of the Great Crash of Sept. 2004). The first one celebrated Chris Webber. All the ones since have been to honor a performance that went above and beyond what would have been expected.

The naysayers try hard to make everyone as miserable as they are. It never ceases to amaze me that somehow any spark of joy has to be snuffed out.

I will continue to post the Any Questions thread any time I think someone has deserved it. And I fully expect at least a couple of people to find a reason to poo-poo it. Know what? I couldn't possibly care less.

I love this team and I will not stop finding reasons to celebrate. After all, I am the Unnecessary Celebrator.

GO KINGS!!

 

[pshn80]

I did find joy in Nik's best by far performance last night. Now I'm looking for the first of ten repeats of this accomplishment.

 

[Chubbs]

Looks like a better ball handler and creator than Ramon Sessions, we should let Nik handle the ball sometimes, whats the worse that could happen? Sessions handling the ball?

Just in case you're wondering, since 11/26 against Houston when Ramon had 5 turnovers, he's has 22 assists to 8 turnovers, a very respectable 2.75 a/t ratio.

 

[IfAt1st]

I started the first Any Questions thread back in 2004 (it's gone now because of the Great Crash of Sept. 2004). The first one celebrated Chris Webber. All the ones since have been to honor a performance that went above and beyond what would have been expected.

The naysayers try hard to make everyone as miserable as they are. It never ceases to amaze me that somehow any spark of joy has to be snuffed out.

I will continue to post the Any Questions thread any time I think someone has deserved it. And I fully expect at least a couple of people to find a reason to poo-poo it. Know what? I couldn't possibly care less.

I love this team and I will not stop finding reasons to celebrate. After all, I am the Unnecessary Celebrator.

Nice historical example, going back to 2004. Love it.

As a leader of the Non-Excessively-Premature-Celebrating Club, let me state that I have no problem with you getting overly happy with a King's performance.
My problem is when that celebration starts to be discussed by others, then assumed to continue and used as a baseline and estimate/projections of future performance start being discussed, and roster/lineup changes based on that, etc etc etc.

Overly-happy fan response very quickly becomes overly-deluded fan opinions of players.
I'm positive you're aware of the Unrealistic Opinions of Favorite Players phenomenon that KF is known for through the years - I'm sure you're a card-carrying member opposing that phenomenon.

 

[VF21]

Nice historical example, going back to 2004. Love it.

As a leader of the Non-Excessively-Premature-Celebrating Club, let me state that I have no problem with you getting overly happy with a King's performance.
My problem is when that celebration starts to be discussed by others, then assumed to continue and used as a baseline and estimate/projections of future performance start being discussed, and roster/lineup changes based on that, etc etc etc.

Overly-happy fan response very quickly becomes overly-deluded fan opinions of players.
I'm positive you're aware of the Unrealistic Opinions of Favorite Players phenomenon that KF is known for through the years - I'm sure you're a card-carrying member opposing that phenomenon.

It's a sports message board, Sherlock, not a master's dissertation. Get over it.

 

[King Baller]

I predict Nik gets 20 points tonight

GO KINGS

 

[Glenn]

I predict Nik gets 20 points tonight

GO KINGS

If he scores that much, it would be remarkable. I want 10 points and that would make me happy. Oh, oh, and I hope we win!