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2015 NBA Draft: 4 prospects due to climb draft boards

By Brett David Roberts

Jan 22, 2015; Boulder, CO, USA; Washington Huskies center Robert Upshaw (24) blocks an attempt by Colorado Buffaloes guard Askia Booker (0) in the second half at the Coors Events Center. The Huskies defeated the Buffaloes 52-50. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 22, 2015; Boulder, CO, USA; Washington Huskies center Robert Upshaw (24) blocks an attempt by Colorado Buffaloes guard Askia Booker (0) in the second half at the Coors Events Center. The Huskies defeated the Buffaloes 52-50. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
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Willie Cauley-Stein, PF/C, Kentucky

Mar 28, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Kentucky Wildcats forward Willie Cauley-Stein (15) shoots over Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard/forward Pat Connaughton (24) in the finals of the midwest regional of the 2015 NCAA Tournament at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 28, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Kentucky Wildcats forward Willie Cauley-Stein (15) shoots over Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard/forward Pat Connaughton (24) in the finals of the midwest regional of the 2015 NCAA Tournament at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

This comes with the disclaimer that no one really seems to know where Willie Cauley-Stein should be drafted to begin with.

There is great disparity in most mocks, evidenced by his No. 11 projection on NBADraft.net contrasted with his No. 6 on Draft Express. Which is right?

It cannot be ruled out that Willie is selected by Orlando at No. 5, even. And due to his NBA-readiness and defensive skills, it seems Draft Express may be closer to the truth than NBADraft.net.

But that is just it: Cauley-Stein’s lack of offensive refinement could cause him to slip in the draft. Alternatively, the price on a guy who can defend the 4/5-spots while providing an anchor to the defense, rim protection — it is invaluable.

Cauley-Stein spent three years at Kentucky refining his game, but exhibited minimal offensive growth in that span. That has to be a black mark on his resume, but teams will not just allow a guy with his defensive talents to slip very far in this draft.

Looking at the teams selecting after Orlando, it is easy to make a case the Denver Nuggets draft him to play alongside Kenneth Faried. Sacramento also needs a power forward with Rudy Gay currently playing out of position or relying on workmen like Reggie Evans. Detroit will likely not retain Greg Monroe’s services, meaning they will need an interior player as well.

The fact Orlando and the three teams after it all need size, Cauley-Stein seems certain to go in the top-8. But his offensive shortcomings make it entirely possible that teams fall in love with guys who can put points on the board and allow Cauley-Stein to drop down to the No. 10 pick (Miami) or No. 11 (Indiana).

So, while it may be inaccurate to say his stock will climb, it could be solidified as a high position, which it is not yet.

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