Golden State Warriors: 5 predictions for the 2019-20 NBA season

By Tony Pesta | Aug 13, 2019

DETROIT, MI - DECEMBER 1: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors is introduced before the game against the Detroit Pistons on December 1, 2018 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. 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 License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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5. Willie Cauley-Stein averages career-high in blocks

One of the Golden State Warriors key acquisitions this summer was Willie Cauley-Stein. The athletic 25-year-old center has the potential to play a big role with the team.

WCS can have a positive impact for the Warriors if he manages to do two things: Finish around the basket and protect the rim at a decent rate.

Leading the league in blocks per game, shot-blocking was the heart and soul of Golden State’s defense last season. Furthermore, the Dubs scored a lot of easy points by dumping the ball or throwing lobs to one of their big men.

It shouldn’t be too difficult for WCS to be plugged into the lineup and play a similar role to JaVale McGee and Kevon Looney. However, Cauley-Stein will need to massively improve as a shot blocker.

Despite being a gifted athlete with great size, WCS averaged just 0.6 blocks per game last year. He blocked the most shots in his rookie campaign and has been below 1.0 a game in each season since then.

Playing with the Warriors, Cauley-Stein will have no choice but to protect the rim or risk falling out of the rotation completely. I believe this extra motivation will be all it takes for WCS to reach his max potential as a shot-blocker and average a career-high in blocks per game.

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