Philadelphia 76ers shooting guard Nik Stauskas, acquired from Sacramento on July 9, is currently starting for Canada during their exhibition games prior to the 2015 FIBA Americas Championship. While Stauskas and Orlando center Andrew Nicholson are struggling on offense, head coach Jay Triano has faith in both players. From Ryan Wolstat of the Toronto Sun: "Triano opted not to kick his players while they were down, rather, he pointed out the positives they have been providing. 'I think both those guys are offensive weapons for us. We don’t really judge offensive play as much as we do the energy and effort at the defensive end of the floor,' Triano said. ... Stauskas and Nicholson had also been contributing 4.7 rebounds a game and Stauskas had been especially good defensively. 'I’m not concerned with Nik at all, I’m actually really pleased with what he’s done,' Triano continued. ... Stauskas was confident he’d bounce back." Canada is expected to have a good run in Mexico due to all the young talent on the team, however that may not happen if Stauskas and Nicholson don't improve on offense. Team Canada has been getting good production from Minnesota's Andrew Wiggins and Anthony Bennett during the exhibition games.
|