Blazers: 5 goals for Nik Stauskas in his lone season with Portland

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BROOKLYN, NY – JANUARY 10: Nik Stauskas #2 of the Brooklyn Nets handles the ball against the Detroit Pistons on January 10, 2018 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Transition scoring

In 2016-2017, Portland finished among the bottom fifth of the league in transition points per game with 14.5. In 2017-2018, their fastbreak scoring dipped to 11.6 points per game, last in the league.

At 6 feet 6 inches, Stauskas ties with Gary Trent Jr. as the Blazers tallest guard option. This size can make him a dynamic transition scorer, something the team desperately needs.

Stauskas’ career defensive rebounding percentage of 9.8% illustrates that he doesn’t crash the defensive glass very often. Instead of running up the court once the rest of his teammates do, he should make himself available for the quick outlet pass near half court.

In this situation, he collects the rebounder’s pass and quickly gets the offense started. Ideally, at least one other Blazers player joins him on the fast break – this can be any teammate who found themselves on the perimeter when the opponent took his shot.

With his size, Stauskas can attack a two-on-one or two-on-two transition opportunity and finish at the rim better than the shorter guards.

Alternatively, another Portland player gets the quick outlet pass following a defensive rebound and pushes the ball forward. Stauskas joins them to provide sizing and once again finish at the hoop, or he can space the floor by deviating outside. Defenders must stay tight when he’s on the perimeter – the shooting guard made 42.6% of his catch-and-shoot threes last year.

Being able to run a fast break, as well as finish at the rim and space the floor, can help Portland improve its transition scoring. Capitalizing on steals and the occasional long rebound leads to an easy 15-20 points per game for most teams – it’s time for the Blazers to join in.