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76ers’ Stauskas on the Shelf for the Start of Preseason

By Jake Hyman

Sep 28, 2015; Galloway, NJ, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Nik Stauskas (11) during media day at Stockton Seaview Hotel. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 28, 2015; Galloway, NJ, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Nik Stauskas (11) during media day at Stockton Seaview Hotel. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Philadelphia 76ers acquired shooting guard Nik Stauskas in a trade with the Sacramento Kings back in July, but it looks like the former Michigan product will miss the start of preseason with a tibia stress reaction, per Liberty Ballers’ Derek Bodner:

Stauskas, who has been projected as the incumbent starter to open up the season later in the month, is expecting to be ready for the start of the 2015-16 slate, Bodner adds:

The Sixers have been overly-cautious with their roster when it comes to rehabbing and recovering from injuries. Stauskas isn’t an exception, as he’s an intricate member of the team due to upside and ability. He was the sweetener in the deal with Sacramento to take on both Carl Landry’s and Jason Thompson’s contracts.

Philadelphia could hold out the Canadian throughout training camp in order for Stauskas to be fully healed by Oct. 28 when they face the Boston Celtics in Boston. He reportedly injured his tibia on the third day of training camp (Oct. 1), per The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Keith Pompey:

After being tabbed the No. 8 pick in the 2015 NBA Draft, Stauskas failed to impress in Sacramento averaging only 4.4 PPG. and 1.2 RPG. to go along with a 36.5 percent shooting percentage.

Stauskas eventually heated up after the All-Star break going 22-for-57 from deep (42.1 percent) and finding a niche in the Association. Buying low on Stauskas, after his underwhelming rookie year, the Sixers hope to transform the 6-6 guard into a three-point ace.

Eventually, playing with a low-post savant like Jahlil Okafor, who can dish adeptly for a big man, could be a beneficial boost to Stauskas’ efficiency. If nothing substantial arises about the stress reaction, the two week time period gives Stauskas enough time to seemingly start for the second time in his career opening night if he’s deemed a part of the starting five.

Next: 25 Best Players to Play for the Philadelphia 76ers

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