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Golden State Warriors: Why Willie Cauley-Stein is a better fit than Cousins

By Christian Evans

SACRAMENTO, CA - DECEMBER 14: Willie Cauley-Stein #00 of the Sacramento Kings looks on during the game against the Golden State Warriors on December 14, 2018 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA - DECEMBER 14: Willie Cauley-Stein #00 of the Sacramento Kings looks on during the game against the Golden State Warriors on December 14, 2018 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
(Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

As the DeMarcus Cousins’ chapter closes, the Golden State Warriors found themselves staring into the abyss searching for another center yet again.

Willie Cauley-Stein could prove to be the answer for the Golden State Warriors.

With Cousins gone, the Warriors’ center depth was headlined by Damian Jones, a player who hasn’t lived up to expectations thus far. Reinforcements were necessary and GM Bob Myers pulled off a coup by signing Cauley-Stein.

The former Sacramento King finds his career at a crossroads after failing to live up as the sixth overall pick in 2015 and immediately fills a void for the Warriors.

The big man rotation has proved to be a gigantic problem during Steve Kerr’s tenure as Warriors head coach. That problem was clear in 2018/19 as Cousins, Jones and Jordan Bell were all tested at the five during the regular season. In the end, all three struggled for a variety of reasons.

Out of desperation, the Dubs added Andrew Bogut ahead of the postseason but it was clear the Australian had regressed and left the Warriors with pressing needs coming into the offseason.

Cauley-Stein figures to compare as a similar player to JaVale McGee, a player that is capable of finishing at the rim. Like the former Warrior, Cauley-Stein could prove to be a valuable lob threat.

In addition, unlike Cousins, Cauley-Stein doesn’t have any injury concerns. The former King played in and started 81 games, a career high.

Although Cauley-Stein missed 16 games in his rookie season, the former Kentucky Wildcat has missed 17 games across three seasons. If Cauley-Stein can stay fit, the Warriors potentially have themselves a bargain.

Here is why Cauley-Stein could prove to be an inspired decision.

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