Willie Cauley-Stein could make immediate impact on defense in the NBA
Check out all of our NBA Draft Profiles here.
In the three years Willie Cauley-Stein spent at Kentucky, he held averages of 8.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.2 blocks, 1.1 steals, with a .593 field-goal-percentage. Certainly not someone teams will be drafting based on a belief that he can turn things around immediately. Still, his explosiveness and rim-protection should get him drafted in the top-10.
Be sure to check out our NBA News Desk 
Cauley-Stein is an explosive player on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball. His mobility, athleticism, and ability to run the floor (at an almost elite level for a big) makes him a serious threat in the open-court. As for defensive talents, Willie relies on active hands to block, deflect, and force the ball from the opposition, which could provide quite the nightmare for slower big men in the association.
As it is with all NBA freshman, there are definitely warts. The first, and possibly the biggest change, would need to come in the defensive post. His strength may be the reason for the poor play down low, which is something he would look to change in the future.
When it comes to offense, the three-year player has none. He does not necessarily have to be a 20 points per game kind of talent, but progression is needed, and in a major way. The footwork is there, but it seems it’s the second aspect of scoring that gives him the most trouble, actually putting the ball in the basket, especially when the pressure begins to increase.
There are certainly quite a few organizations who have a lottery pick that are in dire need at the four/five spot. As much as a work-in-progress Cauley-Stein will be on the offensive side of the ball, he could provide instant productivity on the defensive end.
There is no reason to think you must attain his services in your drafts, but depending on where the Kentucky product lands, you may want to take a shot in the last round if the prospects are gravely enticing.
The meat-and-potatoes of Willie’s fantasy value will derive from field-goal-percentage, rebounding, blocks, and steals, which, for all it’s worth, will be a quite welcomed addition later in your draft. If by chance he lands in a situation where the minutes hover around 25-30 per game, Cauley-Stein could be a poor-man’s DeAndre Jordan.
For keeper and dynasty leagues that only draft for a few spots, this will be someone targeted with mild expectations, and a leash lasting at least until the end of his first season.
Steve Krebs is a correspondent at FantasyPros. To read more from Steve, check out his archive and follow him @BKHoops5.
