5 reasons Sacramento Kings fans should have hope
By Connor Learn
2. Willie Cauley-Stein is starting to put it together
Unlike his teammate Skal Labissiere, Willie Cauley-Stein convinced the world of his NBA potential during his time at Kentucky. He was one of the best interior and perimeter defenders in the country during his time there and flashed tools on the offensive end too. Cauley-Stein teamed with Karl-Anthony Towns and Trey Lyles to form a formidable frontcourt for the Kentucky team that didn’t lose until they met Wisconsin. Despite that loss, his draft stocked soared during a season that culminated in his being named a first team All-American by USA Today.
Cauley-Stein’s profile as a 7-footer who finished with the second most blocks in Kentucky history and had the agility to defend anywhere on the court made him seem like the defensive prototype for the modern NBA center. He also showed good ability as a finisher, pairing that with his athleticism suggested he would make for a good big in the spread pick-and-roll. Cauley-Stein’s biggest fans thought he could develop into a more nimble Tyson Chandler. The Kings bought into his game and selected him sixth overall in the 2015 NBA Draft.
Thought to be NBA-ready after three years of college experience, Cauley-Stein has taken some time to adjust to professional play. Though he managed to start 39 games and crack the All-Rookie second team last year, Cauley-Stein’s rebounding and block numbers disappointed. He took some time to earn the trust of new coach Dave Joerger this season, but has played better of late. Highlighted by a career high 29 points against the Nuggets in the first game without Cousins, he continued a trend of quality play that had started before the All-Star break. Should Cauley-Stein continue to build off of this success, he will validate his pre-draft expectations for the Kings.