Mar 28, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Kentucky Wildcats forward Willie Cauley-Stein (15) guards Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard Jerian Grant (22) during the first half in the finals of the midwest regional of the 2015 NCAA Tournament at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Willie Cauley-Stein
By Ehsan Kassim (@Ehsan_Kassim)
The Miami Heat front court always seemed to be the weakness with their LeBron James teams. Despite finding Birdman and having Chris Bosh switching off between the 4 and 5, the Heat could never find a dominant big man to help them in their championship pursuit.
With the emergence of Hassan Whiteside, that does not seem like it will be a problem again for the Heat, at least in the near future.
Even with that, I think the Heat should double down and draft Kentucky big man, Willie Cauley Stein. Ironically enough, Cauley Stein’s NBA Comparison, according to NBA Draft Net, is Chris “Birdman” Anderson himself.
NBA Draft Net has him going number 10 overall to the Heat.
Willie has a 7’2’’ wingspan and a 9’2’’ standing reach, which would make him the perfect running mate for minutes next Hassan Whiteside, while Chris Bosh gets his breather.
Cauley Stein last season with Kentucky averaged 8.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks, and 1 assist per game in 23.6 minutes. He shot 62.1% percent from the field. Stein improved each season, from his freshman season with the Wild Cats.
At 21-years old and equipped with plenty of college experience, Cauley Stein will fit the mold for prospects Riley has scoured for in the past. He’s likely as NBA ready as any prospect in the draft and would allow the team the flexibility to trade Josh McRoberts, to keep the team away from potential luxury tax issues.