NBA Draft Rumors: Willie Cauley-Stein could fall out of Top 15

The NBA Draft is tonight, but it might not be kind to Willie Cauley-Stein, who is projected to slide if he makes it past No. 4 overall.

While the NBA Draft is going to be a happy night for most players this year, there are some talents who might slip and have a rough start to their NBA careers.

Tonight is all about the future, but it’s hard to have a bright future when no one seemingly wants you. That’s the case for Willie Cauley-Stein, who is projected to plummet in the draft of the Knicks don’t take him at No. 4 overall.

According to Basketball Insider’s Steve Kyler, the draft stock of Kentucky center Willie Cauley-Stein has dropped significantly after he worked out poorly for teams this summer. His stock has been so damaged that he may fall out of the Top 10 and drop to the 20s.

Heard that Willie Cauley-Stein didn't work out incredibly well for some teams, which prompted further examination of his ankle and health.
— Steve Kyler (@stevekylerNBA) June 25, 2015

Cauley-Stein could be in for a longer night than initially expected. If he does not go 4 to New York, could slide
— Steve Kyler (@stevekylerNBA) June 25, 2015

This is bad news for Cauley-Stein, but it’s good news for teams like Milwaukee, Cleveland and Toronto who could use a big beefy center to develop for the future or even come off the bench in certain situations. There are options outside of the Top 10 who could take Cauley-Stein, as the Pacers, Heat, Suns and Jazz could consider him if they feel his ankle is alright.

Having an injury this close to the draft and having one that effects your draft workouts is an obvious issue. It’s one that has scared teams off of the Kentucky big man, and it might cause a Jared Sullener-style slide to a team in the late teens or early 20s.

More from NBA

Home/NBA