Warriors: Willie Cauley-Stein has been exactly what we feared he’d be
By Justin Fried
Golden State Warriors center Willie Cauley-Stein has been a massive disappointment to start the season. But in reality, he’s been exactly what we all feared he’d be.
The Golden State Warriors knew that they had their work cut out for them this season when it came to finding a new starting center. And unfortunately, Willie Cauley-Stein has clearly not been the answer for Golden State.
Despite only playing in 30 games last season, DeMarcus Cousins was never going to be an easy player to replace. But once the Warriors managed to re-sign the unheralded Kevon Looney in the offseason, some of the team’s worries were alleviated.
Unfortunately, Looney suffered a hamstring injury in training camp and has since been dealing with a neuropathic issue. While the team hopes to have him back soon, it’s been rough dealing with his absence.
Cauley-Stein has been tasked with the starting role ever since returning from his own training camp injury. And it’s safe to say that the Warriors haven’t exactly gotten the production they’ve wanted.
light. Must Read. Golden State Warriors: Why the team must commit to tanking this season
Through nine games, Cauley-Stein is averaging just 8.0 points and 6.1 rebounds while playing in over 20 minutes per game. The Warriors would be able to live with that first number, but the second figure is where they’ve really been hurt.
Golden State has been outrebounded in three of their last four games including an embarrassing 51-33 ratio Wednesday night against the Los Angeles Lakers. In that game, Cauley-Stein managed just six rebounds despite playing in 23 minutes.
Both Marquese Chriss and Omari Spellman — the team’s other options at center — totaled more rebounds despite playing in fewer minutes.
More from Golden State Warriors
- Warriors unlikely to draft Anthony Edwards due to character concerns
- Warriors: September minicamp mimics NBA bubble
- Warriors: Eric Paschall named to NBA All-Rookie first team
- Warriors reportedly eyeing a wing in the 2020 NBA Draft
- Warriors: Is the team destined to trade its No. 2 overall draft pick?
On top of that, the Warriors have struggled immensely on the defensive side of the floor and part of that has been a lack of a rim-protecting presence in the paint. Despite standing at seven-foot, Cauley-Stein has never had a reputation of being a good rim-protector.
For years in Sacramento, he was followed by a label of being “soft” and it’s easy to see why given his performance thus far. Oftentimes the former top-six pick will be bodied by more physical players.
When looking at statistics, it seemed as though Cauley-Stein’s reputation as a soft defender had been a little bit overblown during his time with the Kings. However, NBC Sports’ Monte Poole put it well when talking about his high block numbers.
"“Understand, blocks are not the only stat, or even the primary stat, that matters. The key is presence, which is best built by consistent assertiveness, a level of resistance that discourages driving.”"
That ‘presence’ is something that Cauley-Stein has never really had and it’s the reason so many have labeled him as “soft” over the years.
More from Golden Gate Sports
- Raiders: Rookie stock report following Week 3 performance
- 49ers sign new long snapper amidst a flurry of roster moves
- Oakland Athletics win Game 2 of Wild Card round with late-inning drama
- 49ers: George Kittle and Deebo Samuel cleared to return to practice
- 49ers expected to place DE Dee Ford on injured reserve
At his best, Cauley-Stein could be an exciting, athletic rim-runner who makes splashy plays on offense but underwhelms on defense. Unfortunately, he hasn’t even been that this year.
Rather, Cauley-Stein has been everything that Warriors feared he would be. An uninspiring offensive threat who lacks any sort of defensive presence and is ultimately a liability on both ends of the floor.
The Warriors’ big man options are limited right now. Neither Chriss or Spellman would be much of an improvement and rookie Alen Smailagic still remains sidelined with an ankle injury.
So until Looney returns, it’s either roll with Cauley-Stein or play more small-ball lineups with Draymond Green at the five. And given how things have been going, it might just be more beneficial to do the latter and give some of the team’s younger players more playing time.
Next. Golden State Warriors: 3 players who could be traded before 2020. dark
Cauley-Stein can be an effective player when motivated, but it just doesn’t appear that that’s the player the Warriors have seen this year.