Willie Cauley-Stein has flown under the national media’s radar for a majority of his rookie campaign, averaging 5.5 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game. The statistics don’t do him justice, but the results do; when Cauley-Stein starts alongside fellow Kentucky product DeMarcus Cousins, the Kings are 11-3.
No. 00’s defensive effort and abilities are evident the moment he steps on a court, averaging 1.1 blocks in just 18.5 minutes per game.
In crucial moments, the first-year center has shown why Sacramento selected him early in the first round of the NBA Draft – by playing an immense role in the team’s defensive late-game strategies.