Willie Cauley-Stein
Willie Cauley-Stein’s draft stock has really started to slip a bit following concerns about a potential ankle injury. Cauley-Stein was quick to downplay that angle at media day, calling the conversation about his injury just “politics.” However, it is worth noting that the three mock drafts I listed with Turner all have him falling a bit in the draft. Vecenie now projects Cauley-Stein at No. 9; DraftExpress has him at No. 11; Ford has him at No. 11 as well.
On where he might be selected:
"“Anywhere. I’ve heard it all. Anywhere from 3-to-15.”"
On his ankle/health:
"“It’s politics. People are going to put the stories out there, but I don’t feel any pain. My game didn’t look hindered at all. I increased my vertical by five inches. I put my chin on the rim. So I don’t think anything is wrong with me. It is just talk. It’s a dirty business.”"
On being classified as a one-way player:
"“You’ve got to do what got you there. I’m getting drafted because I was Defensive Player of the Year. I’m getting drafted because I can guard multiple positions. Anything that comes outside of that has no pressure. “If I bring offense then I bring offense. That’s just going to make your team that much better. But if I don’t, then I’m still the same dude; I’m still doing something. There’s no pressure for me to have an offensive game. I just want it. I want to be one of the top players in the league.”"
In person, I would describe Cauley-Stein as incredibly “trill.” He was not fazed by anything, and really, he gave very short, reserved answers to just about every question. If he really does fall to the Suns at No. 13, he would seem to be the obvious pick, at least if the Suns are insistent on drafting the best player available. Although it is worth noting that Cauley-Stein isn’t exactly a perfect fit, which is kind of the opposite case as the next player I reviewed…
Next: Bobby Portis