College Basketball: Top 10 2015 NBA draft prospects
By Bryce Olin
5. Willie Cauley-Stein, Kentucky Wildcats
NBA Doppelganger: Larry Sanders
Like Montrezl Harrell, Willie Cauley-Stein lacks a developed offensive game and relies on his athleticism (and his teammates!) to create his scoring opportunities. That’s not a bad thing, though, when Cauley-Stein is one of the most athletic players in the country and in the 2015 NBA draft.
Provided by Sports-Reference.com/CBB: View Original Table
Generated 1/8/2015.
Because of his offensive weaknesses, Cauley-Stein won’t be a star in the NBA, but he does have the skill set to be a very productive player.
As a seven-footer, Cauley-Stein is a great defender in college and his skills should translate to the NBA. Cauley-Stein has a 9-foot-2 standing reach and 37-inch vertical. In other words, the dude plays way above the rim. As a weak-side help defender, Cauley-Stein is instant rim protection.
While Cauley-Stein’s not the best interior post defender, he’s very active on defense away from the rim. Cauley-Stein can guard big men who venture out to the perimeter even better than guys who stay in around the paint.
Against the pick-and-roll, Cauley-Stein is as good as there is at forcing the guard to give up the ball or shoot an incredibly tough shot.
I can see why people are down on Cauley-Stein because he’s not a great all-around player. While I agree, I would also argue Cauley-Stein’s outstanding defense is far more valuable in key situations than a guy who can score a little bit and play a little defense, too.
The best thing for Cauley-Stein would be going to an established team who needs an X-factor, energy big man off the bench. I’m looking at you, Dallas Mavericks.
There’s no way Willie Cauley-Stein falls out of the lottery, though, and Dallas’ first-round pick is headed to Boston if it falls outside of the lottery. Bummer…
Next: Justise Winslow