Frequently, players of the past critique the players of today. It can range from ironic, hyperbolic, and hypocritical to warranted and necessary.
One such example from was former NBA player Nik Stauskas towards Dallas Mavericks forward Kessler Edwards. The 24-year-old Edwards is averaging 2.3 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 0.9 assists in 11.4 minutes per game, not exactly eye-popping numbers.
Nik Stauskas Takes Aim at Kessler Edwards
Stauskas hasn’t played in the NBA since the 2021-2022 season, but the former NCAA Big Ten Player of the Year is fairly active on X/Twitter and is quite opinionated.
During the national broadcast of the Mavericks’ loss against the Los Angeles Lakers, Stauskas took to the social media platform to call out Edwards in a series of tweets. The first tweet was delivered rather bluntly, sparking debates about etiquette and Edwards’ role.
I mean no disrespect by this. Asking as a happily retired player lol. How in the hell does Kessler Edwards have a job in the NBA? Let alone a starter for a team coming off an NBA finals run. I’m just confused as to what his strengths are and what he does to impact a game?
— Nik Stauskas (@NStauskas11) February 26, 2025
“I mean no disrespect by this,” he wrote. “I am asking as a happily retired player. How in the hell does Kessler Edwards have a job in the NBA? Let alone a starter for a team coming off an NBA finals run. I’m just confused as to what his strengths are and what he does to impact a game?”
Stauskas received a reply from a Twitter user who considered themselves an avid NBA fan. The response seemed to imply that Stauskas’ opinion was simply hate.
That’s because there’s a difference between being an avid watcher and former player. When I see 2.3Pts/0.9A/2.4Reb and starting for a team that just came off a finals run, those are the things I think about. Not hating, just wanted to get peoples take on it. Fans certainly think…
— Nik Stauskas (@NStauskas11) February 27, 2025
“That’s because there’s a difference between being an avid watcher and former player. When I see 2.3 points, 0.9 assists, 2.4 rebounds, and starting for a team that just came off a finals run, those are the things I think about. Not hating, just wanted to get people’s take on it. Fans certainly think he’s got All-Star potential based on their response.”
Kessler Edwards’ Role With the Dallas Mavericks
While Stauskas doesn’t necessarily have much room to talk about anyone’s NBA career, he does present a fairly valid point. Edwards is not a starting-caliber player on an NBA team.
However, Dallas isn’t under any illusions. On a healthy Mavericks team, he wouldn’t be a starter. The injuries to Daniel Gafford, Dereck Lively II, and Anthony Davis left Dallas without several key players. Somebody needed to step up.
Edwards was placed into the lineup as the starting center during the recent game against the Lakers as a result of those injuries, but only played 13 minutes.
In those 13 minutes, Edwards put up 4 points and 3 rebounds. Dwight Powell played 16 minutes at the center, too, which could be the next path for the Mavericks until their front court injuries get better.
Stauskas may have balked at Edwards in the starting lineup, but those mediocre stats are fairly common for end-of-roster bench players, regardless of their potential. With more playing time and an advantageous role, Edwards could help change Stauskas’ mind, but there’s clearly work left to be done.
