Scouting Report: Willie Cauley Stein

Willie Cauley Stein is a center for the University of Kentucky. Stein is 7’0 with a wingspan of 7’2. For the year, Stein is averaging 25.4 minutes per game, 9.3 points per game, 6.6 rebounds per game, 1.0 assists per game, 1.7 blocks per game, while shooting 57.9% from the field.

Pros:

• Size and length
• Athleticism
• Explosive at the rim
• Rim Protector
• Help-side defender
• Disrupts passing lanes
• Lateral quickness
• Good rebounder
• Runs the floor well
• Huge potential

Cons:

• Very raw offensively
• Lacks a reliable mid-range game
• Ball handling
• Needs to add strength

Overall:

Stein is a defensive force to be reckoned with; his ability to change the game on that side of the court will allow him to start from day one. Although his offensive ability is not developed yet, with work from professional coaches and other players, it should come along in due time. Guys like Tyson Chandler and DeAndre Jordan have made a great living being defensive stalwarts and rebounders, they also have the ability to finish at the rim with lobs or put backs and teams will pay a premium for that. Stein is beloved by the Boston Celtics and Denver Nuggets, which with the rise of Jusuf Nurkic makes Stein more of a luxury pick for the Nuggets instead of a need filler. Stein will be a great building block for Boston or whatever team decides to select him.

Pro Comparison:

Tyson Chandler

Many people make the comparison between these two players because when both were starting their professional careers their offensive games were underdeveloped but their defensive presence was unteachable. Over the years, Chandler has been the defensive anchor for a championship team and be a key part to many playoff teams.  Offensively, neither player shoots the ball very often, both are more focused on the dirty work of rebounds, put backs, and drawing double teams down low to open up shooters. Working alongside a power forward that can shoot, will really help the development of Stein, and if he goes to Boston, Kelly Olynyk will be able to stretch the floor and allow for Stein to prowl the paint without overcrowding it. Chandler and his coaches have used this tactic his entire career with Dirk Nowitzki and Carmelo Anthony as power forwards who can spread the court.

By: Mac Crowe @Mac_Truck17