Outside the Draft Box: Nik Stauskas

Overall, his game may remind fans of the Sacramento Kings version of Hedo Turkoglu.  While Dario Saric draws a similar comparison, it is due to his pull-up shooting abilities, ball-handling, size, and playmaking ability at the small forward position.  The Sacramento Kings version of Turkoglu is pre-nose surgery.  That guy was an excellent 3rd or 4th option on offense.  He was opportunistic attacking the basket, but blended in very well with creative point guards and power plays in the paint.  He provided the spacing and did a great job of keeping his turnovers down and getting easy baskets. Stauskas may not be as dynamic as Doug McDermott in regards to scoring around the painted area, but he carries more point guard skills at his position.  His shooting ability and shot-creation for teammates open up a team’s half-court system very well.

We all saw what dead-eye shooting and passing did for the San Antonio Spurs during the Finals.  The Lakers are in a different situation altogether.  While many think highly of his offensive skills, the franchise may be looking for a franchise player who can carry the offensive load for the team on every possession.  Nik Stauskas may not be that player, but is still worth a look late in the lottery.

What would change his fortunes dramatically, is if he was able to gain more muscle mass and handle the small forward position.  Nik Stauskas could play point forward very easily, and fit seamlessly with a ball-dominant point guard.  His offensive flexibility as a role-playing shooter and dynamic playmaker may be lucrative to NBA teams looking for better execution in the half-court set.  Nik Stauskas in a Rick Fox-type role with elite 3-point shooting and above average playmaking would be scary for any team, including the Lakers.

His workout for the Lakers is on Friday.