The Cleveland Cavaliers Need To Stay Far Away From Willie Cauley-Stein During Free Agency
SACRAMENTO, CA - NOVEMBER 09: Willie Cauley-Stein #00 of the Sacramento Kings looks on while there's a break in the action against the Philadelphia 76ers during an NBA basketball game at Golden 1 Center on November 9, 2017 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
When NBA free agency opens up, the Cleveland Cavaliers must be active. With the possibility of Tristan Thompson getting traded (he’ll be on the last year of his deal), and Kevin Love and Larry Nance Jr. as the team’s only big men signed through next season, the team must explore the market for a big. There’s one player that the team
As a Cavaliers’ fan living in Northen California (and an adopted Kings fan), you hear a lot about Cauley-Stein and his shortcomings. He’s an athletic big, great size, amazing off the pick and roll, just not very smart. There will be times where Cauley-Stein just doesn’t get it or even gives up altogether.
It’s not a secret that Kings fans are salivating at the idea of Willie Cauley-Stein no longer being a member of the roster. In all honesty, he’s probably a bigger headache than Tristan Thompson. At least Thompson’s issues are off the court. Willie’s seem to be during the game. He’s not the guy the Cavaliers need at this time.
We don’t really know the market for Cauley-Stein. If you ask him, he’ll say he’s a max-contract player. In reality, he’s probably only good for 12-15 million, and that’s being a bit generous. If you’re the Cavs, who will have cap room regardless of trading away Thompson, this is a definite stay clear scenario.
It’s doubtful the Cavaliers would even consider Cauley-Stein if they have their eyes on a big man in the draft, re-sign Marquese Chriss or John Henson, or keep Tristan Thompson. It’s still a situation they’ll consider, as will most teams. When you look at the numbers for Cauley-Stein, there’s a lot to be encouraged by. There’s also a lot to be discouraged by.
Willie Cauley-Stein is great at coming off the pick and roll and can finish around the basket. He’s not entirely capable of posting up and doesn’t have the softest touch. For a 7 foot big man, averaging 8.4 rebounds per game isn’t too impressive.
His worst stat is his defensive rating during a losing effort. When the team is down on the scoreboard, he’s not going to be that efficient closing out games. Cauley-Stein has a pitiful 115.4 defensive rating during losses. Basically, he shows very little effort during these games.
For a team like the Cleveland Cavaliers, who are a rebuilding franchise, it’s clear they won’t get much out of Cauley-Stein when the team is losing. Even during close games, he’ll probably be the one costing them the game. Once again, just another reason the Cleveland Cavaliers don’t need Willie Cauley-Stein.
It’s doubtful Willie Cauley-Stein would even consider Clevland as a landing spot. He’d be wise to take every opportunity to impress a team he can get. The league knows he’s lazy. General Managers aren’t going to look his way knowing his attitude. The Cleveland Cavaliers can inquire about Cauley-Stein, but unless he’s bargain basement pricing, they’d be better to stay far far away.
Image Source: Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images
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
