Sacramento Kings: 3 Players Who Need A Breakout Season

SACRAMENTO, CA - MARCH 19: Buddy Hield #24, De'Aaron Fox #5 and Willie Cauley-Stein #00 of the Sacramento Kings face the Detroit Pistons on March 19, 2018 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, 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 Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA - MARCH 19: Buddy Hield #24, De'Aaron Fox #5 and Willie Cauley-Stein #00 of the Sacramento Kings face the Detroit Pistons on March 19, 2018 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, 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 Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
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SACRAMENTO, CA – APRIL 11: Willie Cauley-Stein #00 of the Sacramento Kings speaks to fans prior to the game against the Houston Rockets on April 11, 2018 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, 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 Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA – APRIL 11: Willie Cauley-Stein #00 of the Sacramento Kings speaks to fans prior to the game against the Houston Rockets on April 11, 2018 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, 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 Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)

Willie Cauley-Stein

Willie Cauley-Stein has been a question mark for the last few seasons. There are moments where he looks like the ideal big man for the Kings, and then there are times where he looks lost on the floor.

That leads me to what I believe Willie needs to improve on in order for him to have a breakout season. Consistency.

For Willie to prove to the Kings that he can be their big man of the future, he needs to show it on a nightly basis. This means he has to be a defensive anchor that protects the rim and rebounds efficiently. It also means he needs to be solid in the interior offensively as well. And most importantly, his motor has to be on every time he is on the court.

Many may think I am crazy, but I consider Willie to have one of the highest ceilings currently on the Kings. I mean, a lengthy seven-footer who jumps like he is on a trampoline and runs like a gazelle gives him all the tools to be a great two-way player in his future. To me, Willie can improve on both ends of the floor, but changing his defense is more of a priority.

In my opinion, I believe the best role suited for Willie is being that defensive weapon that the Kings desperately need. I have been adamant that in order for Sacramento’s defense to improve, they need that goalie in the interior that will deter opponents from driving to the rim. And Cauley-Stein definitely has the ability to be that guy for Sacramento persistently.

Kings fans. What are your thoughts on my list of players that need a breakout season for your team? To give us your opinions on the topic, feel free to comment on our websiteFacebook page, or Twitter account. 

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