Sacramento Kings: Enes Kanter Over Willie Cauley-Stein Gets Them To The Playoffs
Image Source: David Zalubowski/Associated Press
Enes Kanter would be a perfect fit for the Sacramento Kings. It’s no secret the team needs a big man. Willie Cauley-Stein can’t be trusted to give a consistent effort. This is the perfect opportunity for Kings GM Vlade Divac to make a move for the playoff run.
The Kings biggest weakness might be their lack of a scoring small forward, however, with the play of Cauley-Stein, it’s the center position that needs the most help. Kanter, while not the most physical big man, is much more aggressive than Cauley-Stein.
Kanter, the 3rd overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft, has had success wherever he has gone. Taking out his first 2 seasons (which saw him play significantly less minutes), he’s never dipped below double-digit scoring for his career. Kanter hasn’t averaged less than 7.5 rebounds in 7 of his 10 seasons. (Two being his first 2 seasons, the other being the 2016-17 campaign.)
Rebounding is a big part of both Kanter and Cauley-Stein’s game. It’s the effort Kanter shows when defended by 2 contesting rebounders and offensively that gives him the edge. This is where the Kings need help the most, physicality.
On the season, Cauley-Stein grabs 4.2 percent of the rebounds with 2 or more contesting rebounders. Meanwhile, Kanter grabs 13.1 percent. In addition, Kanter grabs 4 offensive boards per game, as opposed to Cauley-Stein’s 2.3 per contest. That number might not seem high, but, given the Kings lack of physical play at the center position, this could make the difference between a win and a loss.
Kanter is also a much more effective scorer than Cauley-Stein. His numbers might look similar on the box score, but that doesn’t tell the whole story. Kanter is a much more efficient away from the basket. He’s able to stretch the defense, a quality Cauley-Stein doesn’t necessarily have.
Make no mistake about it, Kanter is a logical choice to take the spot of Cauley-Stein. He’s more aggressive on the offensive boards, able to spread the offense, and plays consistently every night. If the Sacramento Kings are to make the playoffs, this is a move they’ll have to make.
Daniel is a guru of baseball and basketball prospects. He’s a very experienced Amusement Park traveler as well. Follow him and his hot takes on Insta @dgentleman9288
