C: Willie Cauley-Stein (Restricted Free Agent)
The decision whether to keep Willie Cauley-Stein will probably be the biggest one Vlade Divac makes this summer. The team drafted the seven-foot big back in the 2015 draft and have invested in him ever since.
This season, 81 games, Cauley-Stein averaged around 12 points and eight rebounds a game while making around 56% of his shots from the floor. During Cauley-Stein’s career with Sacramento (295 games), he averaged around 10 points and six rebounds a game while making over 53% of his total shots.
Although Cauley-Stein’s tenure with the Kings has not been bad, the decision to keep him will tell whether the franchise is confident in him becoming their starting center going forward.
There have definitely been occasions where Cauley-Stein has played like the ideal big man that the Kings need him to be. But on the other hand, he has also played short of expectations which have caused frustration from the fanbase.
The inconsistent play of Willie has led to this tough decision for the Kings. If they decide to let him walk, then they are ready to look elsewhere for their starting center. But if they opt to keep him, which will probably be a big investment, then they believe he will play a key role in their rebuild.