Golden State Warriors: Why Willie Cauley-Stein is a better fit than Cousins
![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)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/8e5ba730e56ea49426cf12bf4b324db8ad78a736150a0502df598edff75dfd9b.jpg)
Offensive fit
With the addition of D’Angelo Russell, it is believed the Dubs will look to lean more on the pick and roll in 2019-20. Kerr could quite possibly increase usage when Stephen Curry and Draymond Green are off the floor.
Part of what appealed to the Warriors about Willie Cauley-Stein, I'm told, is his pick-and-roll ability. Personnel will force them to run more this upcoming season. WCS can operate up top with both Steph Curry and -- especially when Curry/Draymond sit -- D'Angelo Russell.
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) July 2, 2019
The pick and roll proved to be an outlet for Russell to create his most effective offense as the former Brooklyn Net made his first All-Star appearance. In Cauley-Stein the Dubs might have found Russell the perfect partner.
Cauley-Stein was involved in 3.2 pick and roll possessions per game for Sacramento in 2018-19. The closest Warrior to that was Cousins at 1.4 per Forbes, Coach Kerr is believed to be looking at increased pick and roll usage in 2019-20.
I can confirm that Willie Cauley-Stein is on his way to Golden State. With Cauley-Stein and D'Angelo Russell now on board, Warriors potentially becoming much more of a pick-and-roll team. https://t.co/CfBfVYQjhO
— Connor Letourneau (@Con_Chron) July 2, 2019
Despite, Cauley-Stein’s pick and roll prowess, the former Kentucky alum has also displayed signs of an increased skillset during his stint in Sacramento including an improved three-point shot.
The former King shot 50% from deep in 2018-19, a career-best. While Cauley-Stein has developed into a solid post passer averaging 2.4 assists per game. While adding a decent 11.9 points per game.
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Although those aren’t stats that jump off the page, it will add another dimension to the Warriors offense and one that can hopefully take the Dubs back to the top.