Much like Summer League Aaron Gordon (SLAG) has become almost deified in my mind, so too has Backyard Unstoppable Nick Stauskas (BUNS). That pre-draft backyard video of him in the rain shooting three-pointers has remained stuck in my mind for half a decade now, standing not only as a testament to BUNS’ literally wet shooting stroke, but as a testament to the power of internet video in shaping my opinions of players.
That’s why I make highlight videos in the first place. So I can, through careful video editing, ensure that people have the “correct” opinions on NBA players. And if the video doesn’t do the talking, then my talking does the talking (except it’s more like typing).
Anyway, back to BUNS. I’ve always wanted BUNS to carry over into real-life NBA basketball games, but those occurrences are few and far between, and they’re never in sequence. He’ll have one randomly good game, maybe get some chances in the next few, but his coach inevitably takes those minutes away once Stauskas makes it clear that he won’t return to his scoring ways, so fleeting as they are. Maybe this time will be different? Probably not, but I’ll be playing close attention to BUNS for at least the next few games.
Also, did or did not Nik Stauskas totally ruin the Lakers debut party of one Jabroni Lames? His debut was just as good as LABron.