Willie Cauley-Stein is turning heads

[9x1x6]

http://nyloncalculus.com/2015/11/13/freelance-friday-rookie-watch/

...In many ways, Okafor versus Cauley-Stein is a microcosm of a larger battle in the Old NBA versus the New NBA. Okafor’s interior scoring is a throwback to the days of Mikan, McHale, and Olajuwon, a time where a talented low-post scorer was seen as the basis to any serious championship run. Cauley-Stein represents the Tyson Chandlers, DeAndre Jordans, and all the future big men whose lack of ball-handling and shooting skills are more than covered by terror-inducing roll to the basket and rim protection fit to serve as a defensive cornerstone...

...Surprisingly, Cauley-Stein’s biggest impact is actually being made on the offensive end, and not the defensive one that he was so lauded for at Kentucky. A raw big man isn’t supposed to help his team’s offense during their rookie year, but Willie isn’t just helping, he’s been one of their only bright spots on offense so far this season."

He goes on the Compare Okafor and Trills seasons so far, and things are very, very poitive.

 

[lawlman91]

Watch Willie develop an MJ fadeaway.

JK, he needs to focus on a mid-range shot first.

WCS is part of our future. Any instant-impact rookie must be kept.

 

[Bricklayer]

Sigh. That's not the problem with Okafor.

Okafor's problem is that he is Al Jefferson. Very talented post scorer, but he draws no fouls, plays no defense, and thus far has barely rebounded. What he does is great. But its what he doesn't do that may hold him back.

And while Cauley Stein is a dynamic defender, he can never anchor a team in the middle. He is what he is -- a perfect roleplayer to put NEXT to your big scoring center.

 

[Dime Dropper]

Willie has been great so far, really impacting games. Deflections, altering shots etc.. We are noticable better defensively (and offensively IMO) while he's on the court, he's definitely been pulled by Karl prematurely too many times. Dude doesn't need to score, he offers so many other things. I didn't think he'd have such an impact so quick.

When his confidence goes up and he gets more comfortable, he's going to be even better. Obviously not star, but elite defensive player. That's invaluable. You can see guards licking their lips when he gets switched onto them, and after a few dribbles they're like "Oh, OK then. You're not going away."

And he's shown that he has good hands and is more competent offensively than given credit for.

 

[kingsboi]

I haven't seen Trill attempt one jump shot that he was working on in the off season. Must not feel very confident in that yet. All in all, just play Trill Karl...he doesn't need to play only 20 minutes...he is a rookie, he needs playing time.

 

[lwc]

Sigh. That's not the problem with Okafor.

Okafor's problem is that he is Al Jefferson. Very talented post scorer, but he draws no fouls, plays no defense, and thus far has barely rebounded. What he does is great. But its what he doesn't do that may hold him back.

And while Cauley Stein is a dynamic defender, he can never anchor a team in the middle. He is what he is -- a perfect roleplayer to put NEXT to your big scoring center.

This.

 

[Glenn]

This.

Brick is absolutely correct and I suspect everyone would come to the same conclusion. I think WCS was the BPA for us because of our unique needs because of Cuz. You cannot analyze Trill without pairing him with the big guy. Is there any other pair better? Gasol and ZBo is all I can think of (not that I pay any attention to other teams.)

BTW, I was excited when we got WCS. I've had my eyes on him since his first year in college. He has defensive skills never seen before AND I think he will develop an adequate offensive game. How many 7 footers play defensively outside the three pt. arc? Patience, folks. He's a rookie.

 

[KingMilz]

He deserves more playing time

 

[ParniValjak]

He deserves more playing time

Amen! I know he is a rookie but he should be playing at least 5 minutes more than he is getting now.

 

[ElRey]

Willie with the game saving ball deflection! Love those long arms!

 

[VF21]

Amen! I know he is a rookie but he should be playing at least 5 minutes more than he is getting now.

Don'[t worry about the number of minutes. It's more important he be available when we really need him, like the end of tonight's game clearly showed.

 

[Sac.1989]

if i didnt know better id be on the first post to a trill and a rondo jersey. superstitions be dammed dam it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!