Hoops Habit
Fansided

2016 NBA Rookie Ladder: Who Are The Future All-Stars?

By Nathan Grubel

Jan 22, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Paul Pierce (34) defends against New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) during first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 22, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Paul Pierce (34) defends against New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) during first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 11
Next
Jan 23, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) reacts next to center Willie Cauley-Stein (00) after making a shot while being fouled against the Indiana Pacers in the second quarter at Sleep Train Arena. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 23, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) reacts next to center Willie Cauley-Stein (00) after making a shot while being fouled against the Indiana Pacers in the second quarter at Sleep Train Arena. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /

8. Willie Cauley-Stein, Sacramento Kings

We already know how good DeMarcus Cousins is, but he has a frontcourt mate who also has a bright future ahead of him in Cauley-Stein.

The offense isn’t there quite yet, but he’s still an athletic rim runner who has a nose for rebounding the basketball on both ends. His lateral quickness and defensive instincts allow him to play all five positions at times on that end of the floor, which is impressive considering his massive size and length.

Cauley-Stein is a special player, but unless he starts scoring and impacting the game offensively with more regularity, he’s not going to be an All-Star. It’s hard enough for centers as it is to make it to Sunday anymore because of the deluge of talented forwards. It wouldn’t be impossible but at this point in time I just don’t see it.

Future All-Star? No

Next: Another One