Section 215
Fansided

Philadelphia 76ers: Nik Stauskas-J.J. Redick duo could work

By Pete Sawan

(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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As we look ahead to the 2017- 2018 NBA season, Philadelphia 76ers guard Nik Stauskas will likely ride the bench as he learns from veteran J.J. Redick.

The Philadephia 76ers have virtually upgraded at every position this offseason. Outside of center, the team has made serious moves to improve. One area specifically, the shooting guard spot, presents an interesting quandary. At that position, the Sixers signed a ten-year pro in J.J. Redick. Interestingly enough, this move pushes fourth-year player Nik Stauskas further down the depth chart.

Even with that in mind, such a move helps the Sixers tremendously. Redick’s style of play fits exactly what the team needs. Interestingly enough, he shot over 40 percent from three point range over the last three season. Such a skill set, coupled with his veteran knowledge and leadership will benefit the Sixers on the court.

Now, J.J. Redick’s presence can help in another way, too. Specifically, having Redick on hand could provide Nik Stauskas with a mentor of sorts. In a sense, this pairing seems like a match made in heaven.

In terms of their styles of play, Stauskas could learn a ton from Redick. For instance, Redick clearly has a better shooting percentage but lacks athleticism. Stauskas can shoot, but not at the clip Redick can. For sure, Stauskas has the tools, but he has not found a way to put it all together. Redick had those issues early in his career.

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Beyond the (Career) Arc

Back when he played for the Orlando Magic, Redick did not get playing time early on. In his first three seasons, he never averaged more than 17 minutes a game. He spent most of his early years deep on the bench. In a sense, this probably killed Redick. Remember, he played four years at Duke and dominated. So much so that he became one of the most hated players in college basketball. Then again, everyone at Duke gets hated on. Anyway, going from dynamic villain to Just-a-Guy probably didn’t bode well for the guy.

Now, how does that fit with the Nik Stauskas situation?

Well, Stauskas has had a similar career arc. He commanded attention at Michigan, going from nice Canadian prospect to three point scoring marksman in a matter of two seasons. They didn’t give him the Big Ten Player of the Year award for nothing. He shot over 40 percent from three in both his seasons at Michigan. Clearly, he was no scrub.

To me, J.J. Redick is the perfect mentor for Nik Stauskas. Redick learned early on that winning would not come easy. Sauce learned that lesson the hard way, bouncing from the Sacramento Kings to the nine-win Philadelphia 76ers. In a way, both players have that in common. While Stauskas got more opportunities to start in Philly, he has not lived up to the hype yet. However, Redick can help steer the ship in the right direction.

Next: Sixers guard Nik Stauskas will try to stay relevant amongst more promising talent

Obviously, Stauskas will come off the bench this season, and with good reason. Redick’s presence could do a lot, considering the arc of his career. With a helping hand, J.J. Redick and Nik Stauskas could become a mentor-mentee pairing the Philadelphia 76ers need. Hopefully, both parties work to make this as seamless as possible.