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Golden State Warriors: Willie Cauley-Stein will likely sit the season opener

By Nathan Beighle

LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 24: Willie Cauley-Stein #00 of the Sacramento Kings drives to the basket during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on March 24, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, 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 License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 24: Willie Cauley-Stein #00 of the Sacramento Kings drives to the basket during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on March 24, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, 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 License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Willie Cauley-Stein isn’t officially ruled out for the season opener, but it’s looking likely that the Golden State Warriors’ starting center won’t play.

Once the Golden State Warriors announced Willie Cauley-Stein’s injury, it was also mentioned that he’d be re-assessed at the end of the team’s training camp. The former King’s center suffered a left mid-foot strain that may end up having him sidelined over a month.

Well, given where he currently stands, it seems we can almost officially say Cauley-Stein will not play in the season opener.

The only real center on the Warriors’ roster, Cauley-Stein’s absence will be detrimental to the team’s size. In a tough Western Conference that boasts numerous skilled seven-footers, his presence is of utmost importance.

Looney, for the time being, will slide over to center.

Even the recently re-signed power forward doesn’t necessarily have the size to guard larger and longer players like JaVale McGee. That said, the Warriors’ almost guaranteed issues on the glass will be magnified without the WCS.

NBC Sports’ Monte Poole noted that Cauley-Stein, who has been seen doing on-court work, may not be back till November.

"“Cauley-Stein, who spent four seasons with the Kings, was expected to start at center. He’s a good athlete, though not particularly big (listed at 240). Upon his return, likely sometime in November, he’ll be relied upon to provide vertical spacing and rebounding. His defense will be a work in progress.”"

Cauley-Stein, finally on a team that has championship aspirations, was primed for a breakout season as the Warriors’ main big man. Once fully healed, he’ll be taking up the bulk of the minutes at the five and should be able to post career-high numbers across the board.

Last season was a good step in the right direction for WCS.

He scored 11.9 points and secured 8.4 rebounds per game. Although not a notable rim protector, coming out of college, Cauley-Stein did boast comparisons to Samuel Dalembert. He has the length and instincts to be a great defensive asset for Golden State.

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The Warriors need him on the court. They need his presence on both ends, and they’ll get it soon enough. Sadly, it just won’t be in time for the season opener on October 24.

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