DALLAS, Texas — The big man in the NBA has changed over time, but one thing that has never changed about having a big man down low, is the toughness aspect.
If you want to dominate the paint, you better have a “dog” that will not hesitate to enforce their will on their opponent.
Willie Cauley-Stein, who the Mavs traded for earlier this year, is a player that brings that type of presence to this team. Cauley-Stein decided to opt out of the NBA restart in Orlando and many would argue his presence was missed, and his services could have been beneficial to the Mavs cause in their first round matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers.
In his shortened season with the Mavs, Cauley-Stein appeared in 13 games and started 2 of those games averaging 12 minutes per game, 5.2 points per game, 4.6 rebounds per game, and shot 68% from the field, which was the highest he achieved since entering the NBA.
Not the sexiest stat line, but what sticks out the most is his field goal percentage and his rebounds per game. For context, the only players coming off the bench for the Mavs during the series against the Clippers that averaged close to or more than 6 rebounds per game was Maxi Kleber, Dorian Finney-Smith, and Boban Marjanovic.
According to basketball-reference.com, Kleber maintained a total rebound percentage (TBR) of 10.4%, Finney-Smith maintained a 9.8% TBR, and Marjanovic maintained a 23.8 TBR during the series against the Clippers. Cauley-Stein during a 13 game span maintained a TBR of 20.1%. An argument could be made that Cauley-Stein was more effective rebounding the basketball during the 13 game span he played in comparison to the group of aforementioned players.
Over a month ago, Cauley-Stein made an appearance on the “Mavs Step Back” podcast where he discussed his upcoming decision about whether or not he would remain a Maverick going into next season. He stated that he has yet to speak with his agents about his decision due to not knowing when the 2020-2021 season would begin, but hasn’t received any information indicating that he isn’t wanted in Dallas and has even purchased a home in the DFW Metroplex.
Cauley-Stein loves the fact that the Mavericks coaching staff has embraced his expanding game and the coaches would like to see him shoot the 3 ball more often and be more involved at the offensive end. Cauley-Stein’s player option for next season is around $2.28 million, which will not break the Mavericks bank and still provides the team flexibility to make some additional signings in the upcoming offseason.
Also this will help the Mavericks in their depth situation. Loading a roster with 3 point shooters and big men who can stretch the floor can pay dividends for NBA teams, but having a big man with that “dog” mentality and ferocity can set the tone. Willie Cauley-Stein can be that caliber of player.
