Sacramento Kings: Addressing The Willie Cauley-Stein Situation
By John Kelly
![SACRAMENTO, CA - APRIL 4: Willie Cauley-Stein #00 of the Sacramento Kings looks on during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on April 4, 2019 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) SACRAMENTO, CA - APRIL 4: Willie Cauley-Stein #00 of the Sacramento Kings looks on during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on April 4, 2019 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/9dddfdda090b168901b5de1b834c1e8cbd88918539166009a5cf065e492f5374.jpg)
Comparing Willie To His Peers
Fact: NBA centers who “get paid “ have one statistic in common: high volume in rebounds and not so much in scoring. In today’s modern NBA, big men are encouraged to develop a perimeter shot. But if unable to, being a 10-and-10 guy is another way to stay relevant.
Let us compare a few centers who meet the 10-and-10 stat, and see how much they are getting paid today.
Hassan Whiteside who was the Kings’ draft pick in 2010 is currently making $24-25 million a season. Back in 2016, he signed a four-year contract worth north of $98 million with the Miami Heat. During his time with Miami, five seasons, he is averaging 14 points and 12 rebounds a contest.
Another big man with the same skillset as Willie is Myles Turner of the Indiana Pacers. Currently, the 23-year old big is on his rookie contract with the team, but last summer signed a four-year extension worth around $80 million. During his career, he is averaging around 13 points, seven rebounds, and two blocks a game.
The last player I am going to mention is Tristan Thompson from the Cleveland Cavaliers. During his NBA career, Thompson is averaging around nine points and nine rebounds a night, and as a result, he signed a five-year contract worth up to $82 million with the Cavs back in 2015.