Draft Targets
Pick #9 (via Brooklyn Nets): Willie Cauley-Stein, Center, Kentucky
Considering how touted Cauley-Stein is and what team he plays for, I’m almost surprised at myself for having Cauley-Stein fall this far down the draft boards. He is a junior, yes, making him a couple years older than all the freshman taken above him, but he’s that much more talented and NBA-ready too. Probably the most versatile defender in this draft class, Cauley-Stein is a premier rim-protector and can also step out and play excellent perimeter defense when necessary. His offensive game is still developing, but he is a sold rebounder and just adds to Atlanta’s winning culture. Given their need for depth up front and for a guy that can do what Cauley-Stein does, he makes for a great pick for the Hawks here.
Pick #9 (via Brooklyn Nets): Willie Cauley-Stein, Center, Kentucky
Considering how touted Cauley-Stein is and what team he plays for, I’m almost surprised at myself for having Cauley-Stein fall this far down the draft boards. He is a junior, yes, making him a couple years older than all the freshman taken above him, but he’s that much more talented and NBA-ready too. Probably the most versatile defender in this draft class, Cauley-Stein is a premier rim-protector and can also step out and play excellent perimeter defense when necessary. His offensive game is still developing, but he is a sold rebounder and just adds to Atlanta’s winning culture. Given their need for depth up front and for a guy that can do what Cauley-Stein does, he makes for a great pick for the Hawks here.