Willie Cauley-Stein: the 2018-19 Season watch

The Hammer said:
Bigs take longer.
Click to expand...
I totally agree with you. And for everyone that thinks I’m anti WCS right now (minus like zero blocks a game) he’s playing great! He’s a big part to this teams success right now.

It’s just his play and attitude/ self awareness has been extremely suspect going back to college. That’s years of him being all over the place. It wasn’t that long he had his getting paid rant. Thru 8 games this year tho he looks great. I’m still (and this is where all of you coming after me need to recognize) questioning his motivation and if he can keep it up.

Just like you should. I’m waiting to the end of the year to jump on the “give him big money and don’t worry anymore train.” At this min he looks like a lock for that $ but we will see
 
Kingsfan2002 said:
I totally agree with you. And for everyone that thinks I’m anti WCS right now (minus like zero blocks a game) he’s playing great! He’s a big part to this teams success right now.

It’s just his play and attitude/ self awareness has been extremely suspect going back to college. That’s years of him being all over the place. It wasn’t that long he had his getting paid rant. Thru 8 games this year tho he looks great. I’m still (and this is where all of you coming after me need to recognize) questioning his motivation and if he can keep it up.

Just like you should. I’m waiting to the end of the year to jump on the “give him big money and don’t worry anymore train.” At this min he looks like a lock for that $ but we will see
Click to expand...

Except if you listen to the guy he actually give that interview to (James Ham), it sounds more like Willie talking himself into a hole rather than having a Richard Sherman-esque rant.
 
I just want to point out that not all that long ago I talked about the potential in Willie Trill's offensive game and was met with a lot of opposition. I said I beleived he could develop an offensive game similar to Serge Ibaka. While he doesn't shoot 3's like Ibaka, I think he's proving to be every bit as skilled on the offensive end. Maybe even more so. He's developed a decent mid-range shot and his quick post moves and touch around the rim have quite good. He even has a go to move with a jump hook using either hand.

But his greatest attributes have been mobility, quickness, and speed. Not many 4's and 5's can stick with him. He can drive and finish 1-on-1 and nobody I've seen gets from one end of the court to the other in transition faster than Willie. He's looking like vintage James Worthy in that regard.

I realize the video below is a defensive play, but it demonstrates Willie's unique speed, athleticism, and coordination. It's the play I think shows his potential on defensive end more than any other. Not many 7 footers can run with a guard as he does here against Jerian Grant -- who has spent time in the NBA. In this day and age of small ball, he's a rare bird that can stick with and hold his own against much smaller players.

 
Tetsujin said:
Except if you listen to the guy he actually give that interview to (James Ham), it sounds more like Willie talking himself into a hole rather than having a Richard Sherman-esque rant.
Click to expand...

I listened to it. so did James ham who was standing right there and interviewed him. you should check out ham's podcasts which he clearly took it the same way I am.
 
Willie just said what literally every NBA player is thinking in a contract year. Don't fool yourselves. It may make people uncomfortable, but it's the truth and there's nothing wrong with guys wanting to make bank.

If he keeps playing like this, then he needs to be paid. He brings a unique skill set and fits what this team is currently doing perfectly.
 
Kingsfan2002 said:
I totally agree with you. And for everyone that thinks I’m anti WCS right now (minus like zero blocks a game) he’s playing great! He’s a big part to this teams success right now.

It’s just his play and attitude/ self awareness has been extremely suspect going back to college. That’s years of him being all over the place. It wasn’t that long he had his getting paid rant. Thru 8 games this year tho he looks great. I’m still (and this is where all of you coming after me need to recognize) questioning his motivation and if he can keep it up.

Just like you should. I’m waiting to the end of the year to jump on the “give him big money and don’t worry anymore train.” At this min he looks like a lock for that $ but we will see
Click to expand...
WCS doesn't look like a lock for the big $ to me. He's finally playing at a high level with consistency. But it's early. If he has two disappointing games, all these folks on the latest WCS bandwagon are going to be expressing their worries and/or cynacism with every post. We need to see him sustain it - at least until the trade deadline, but also over the course of the entire season.
I do wish, though, that Willie would seek some coaching for what to say and how to say it to the media. It's not enough to be truthful. You also need to be smart about it.
 
jcassio said:
WCS doesn't look like a lock for the big $ to me. He's finally playing at a high level with consistency. But it's early. If he has two disappointing games, all these folks on the latest WCS bandwagon are going to be expressing their worries and/or cynacism with every post. We need to see him sustain it - at least until the trade deadline, but also over the course of the entire season.
I do wish, though, that Willie would seek some coaching for what to say and how to say it to the media. It's not enough to be truthful. You also need to be smart about it.
Click to expand...

I personally think he's a lock if he keeps this up the whole season. It appears that Dave and Fox's leadership have got WCS focused like never before and I think he will keep it up this year, He really wants that pay check lol!

my problem with him is
#1 what he says always sounds unrealistic, or selfish
#2 his blk are at 0.4 a game?! thats god awful for your as Doug christie said "rim protector" JJ is at 0.3 and JJ Redick is at 0.1
#3 his defense has actually not been that impressive. again the blocks are horrible he's not getting anywhere near the basketball when its being shot
#4 im betting on him keeping up this productivity after he gets paid. ugh this is tough. Im hopefully he doesn't regress and instead continues to improve say like at least avg 1 blk a game ? is that too much to ask for with such an "athletic, versatile defender?"

for everyone that wants to jump on me im a fan of WCS right now he's playing great and finally consistent with rebounds and playing within himself on offense. BUT yeah im not 100% sold on this huge pay day till the year is over. what he says and does until then needs to be monitored
 
Last edited:
Kingsfan2002 said:
I personally think he's a lock if he keeps this up the whole season. It appears that Dave and Fox's leadership have got WCS focused like never before and I think he will keep it up this year, He really wants that pay check lol!

my problem with him is
#1 what he says always sounds unrealistic, or selfish
#2 his blk are at 0.4 a game?! thats god awful for your as Doug christie said "rim protector" JJ is at 0.3 and JJ Redick is at 0.1
#3 his defense has actually not been that impressive. again the blocks is horrible he's not getting anywhere near the basketball when its being shot
#4 im betting on him keeping up this productivity after he gets paid. ugh this is tough. Im hopefully he doesn't regress and instead continues to improve say like at least avg 1 blk a game ? is that too much to ask for with such an "athletic, versatile defender?"

for everyone that wants to jump on me im a fan of WCS right now he's playing great and finally consistent with rebounds and playing within himself on offense. BUT yeah im not 100% sold on this huge pay day till the year is over. what he says and does until then needs to be monitored
Click to expand...

I'll keep it simple. You have no idea what the hell your talking about. Please don't bother responding because I just put you on my ignore list.
 
bajaden said:
I'll keep it simple. You have no idea what the hell your talking about. Please don't bother responding because I just put you on my ignore list.
Click to expand...

About WCS needing to be a better interior defender? I think he just provided you with facts that he does.

WCS has made great strides offensively, he’s fitting in with our starters, and for a big he may be fine defensively out of the paint, but, he needs to become a better interior defender. It’s one of the reasons for our struggles there, backed up by stats. There isn’t IMO enough excuses about why his block numbers are that, just that he needs to become a better interior defender. That’s what my and OP’s eye test says, that’s what stats say.

That’s why I wouldn’t shell out big money to WCS until he demonstrates serviceability on that front. While he fits with our starters, and offense, to be a highly paid center you have to offer sufficient presence in the paint. Luckily he will be restricted and we can match. There will be a lot of centers on the market and I’m not sure anyone forks the bank over for him as many seem to be.
 
Not re-signing WCS would set us back. You know....one can criticize WCS for not being better defensively in the paint but I recall another post by some one on the forum showing data that says WCS is one of the top 5 bigs defensively out of the paint or defending outside shots or something. He’s not as big as some centers so some matchups are tougher but those guys have to guard WCS too.

His passing ability is pretty damn good. Runs the floor and that’s what we do. Averaging 18 I think. Pretty damn good on D. If he also blocked shots at an elite rate, then he’s going to be signing a contract for $25-28 mill per year.

Got to pay that guy.
 
I was on team "WCS talks big so he'll probably regress when gets paid".

But the dude has been consistently awesome this season. If he keeps it up, we gotta lock him up long term. All of a sudden the talk isn't obnoxious when he's backing it up on the court!

And you have to ask yourself: whats worse than WCS regressing after a payday? WCS NOT regressing after some other team swoops him up!
 
I'm not sure we need to make a decision whether to re-sign Willie or not til Januaryish so he'll have a few months to prove that what we're seeing thus far is really who we get. I like what he's doing and if we see it continue for the next three months I'm on board.
 
Tetsujin said:
It's all about who you know and who you screw over to get where you wanna go.
Click to expand...
James Ham is bad, but Leo Bias from Cowbell Kingdom is the worst sports reporter ever. The only reason i listen to him on youtube is because nobody else is talking about the Kings.

His love for Luka Doncic makes me sick, and his I told you so attitude is just terrible.
 
RaY Z said:
James Ham is bad, but Leo Bias from Cowbell Kingdom is the worst sports reporter ever. The only reason i listen to him on youtube is because nobody else is talking about the Kings.

His love for Luka Doncic makes me sick, and his I told you so attitude is just terrible.
Click to expand...

Finally someone mentions this guy, he is absolutely atrocious at what he does and having to listen to him makes me want to never listen to TV analysts again and forever use the Mute button on the remote
 
gunks said:
I was on team "WCS talks big so he'll probably regress when gets paid".

But the dude has been consistently awesome this season. If he keeps it up, we gotta lock him up long term. All of a sudden the talk isn't obnoxious when he's backing it up on the court!

And you have to ask yourself: whats worse than WCS regressing after a payday? WCS NOT regressing after some other team swoops him up!
Click to expand...

Some guys talk big as a way to motivate themselves and put pressure on themselves to perform and do what they said they are gonna do. It's a mindset thing. It's not braggadocious. It's saying what you want and going out and doing what you say. Kudos to Willie. He's not selfish on the court, never has been.
 
Last edited:
The Hammer said:
Some guys talk big as a way to motivate themselves and put pressure on themselves to perform and do what they said they are gonna do. It's a mindset thing. It's not braggadocious. It's saying what you want and going out and doing what you say. Kudos to Willie. He's not unselfish on the court, never has been.
Click to expand...

Well, the bolded is what's unique to this season! ;)

I'm glad the little teaser games WCS gave us his first few years in the league have become the norm for him. Dude is playing to his strengths. That'll get him a deserved paycheck.
 
Kingster said:
What impressed the heck out of me in the Heat game (something I've been waiting to see for over three years) is that he kept coming, kept coming, kept coming. He was relentless running the floor. He used his speed to the maximum extent possible. Like Joerger said, even when he didn't get the ball sometimes when he was flying down the floor he still kept running, and as a result he created open shot opportunities for his team mates. He didn't go under a rock when Whiteside was blocking his shots and getting rebounds right and left. He relentlessly kept playing the game. That's what I want to see from Willie Cauley Stein.
Click to expand...

Yep - he is integral in us pushing the pace. We cant have anyone lag off, typically your bigs will but with Willie and Bagley this hasnt been an issue
 
dude12 said:
Not re-signing WCS would set us back. You know....one can criticize WCS for not being better defensively in the paint but I recall another post by some one on the forum showing data that says WCS is one of the top 5 bigs defensively out of the paint or defending outside shots or something. He’s not as big as some centers so some matchups are tougher but those guys have to guard WCS too.

His passing ability is pretty damn good. Runs the floor and that’s what we do. Averaging 18 I think. Pretty damn good on D. If he also blocked shots at an elite rate, then he’s going to be signing a contract for $25-28 mill per year.

Got to pay that guy.
Click to expand...

No one is asking for him to block shots at an elite level, but not be an interior defensive sieve giving a lot of what he’s doing back up as we still struggle as a team in that department.

I think Fox/Buddy/Nemanja have been great, and I question how interchangeable at center it could be, though I recognize WCS fit and improved play

He must become ’servicable’ as a defensive paint presence to get any type of payday from me, or comfortability with him long term. We have scoring options, defense from the center position may be the most critical position on the floor
 
Willie has really improved his foot work. I have not seen him fall down yet making an offensive move. He runs the floor like an eland ( a very large antelope). His rebounding is in the okay category for a change. He has learned to take shots from 15 feet in. His defense is not at the level we would like, but he defends the arc and can switch on most players. His one weakness is still probably interior defense. He seems flat footed a lot of the time when someone drives the lane. He can be slow to rotate. This assessment actually shows huge improvement. I have been a critic, but he has won me over. There is time to work on the interior defense.
 
Six rebounds in 25 minutes against the Hawks. (Lost in the Fox hoopla and the Atlanta win was the mediocrity of WCS). Four rebounds in 19 minutes against the Bucks. WCS has outrebounded the opposing center in only one game so far this season (Wizards game). He needs to step it up and have a big impact in the Raptors' game, something like what he did in Miami.
 
Willie Stats 10 games in:

15.7 PPG
8.2 RPG
2.2 APG
0.5 BPG
1.2 SPG

57% TS
14.6% TRB
10.8% AST
8.6% TOV
21.6% USG
.141 WS/48
19.8 PER
On/OFF net rating- +31.9 (lol)

Everything in his stat profile points to him being an extremely productive starter and a big reason we've started off 6-4. Nothing really stands out as unsustainable from him or something we can't expect from him moving forward. He's made significant strides with his efficiency and finishing at the rim and I think he can break 60% True shooting this year too once his Free Throw% positively regresses back to the mid-60's that it's been his whole career.
 
someone needs to tell WCS he can box out and get the rebound too. So many times the past few games he does actually box out and the ball drops 5 feet in front of him.
 
Section 101 said:
Im thinking sell high right now. I can see him regressing.
Click to expand...

I say sell high as well. I don't know if he'll regress. Actually, I think he won't. But he and Bagley play the same role. Both need to start somewhere. We are a piece or 2 away and WCS could theoretically give you that piece in a trade. Might have to wait a year for Bagley to match WCS production, but there is time.

The risk with sending WCS packing is that you now need Giles to pan out for sure.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

N
Willie Cauley-Stein was best Kings player in 2018-19, catch-all stat says
Replies
0
Views
336
NBC Sports BayArea
N
Blob
Our "Elite" Center
2
Replies
33
Views
3K
VF21
VF21
Back
Top