2016 NBA Rookie Ladder: Post All-Star Break Expectations

Feb 5, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Emmanuel Mudiay (0) dribbles the ball against Chicago Bulls forward Bobby Portis (5) in the fourth quarter at the Pepsi Center. The Nuggets defeated the Bulls 115-110. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

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Jan 26, 2016; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard C.J. McCollum (3) shoots over Sacramento Kings center Willie Cauley-Stein (00) during the third quarter at the Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports /

8. Willie Cauley-Stein, Sacramento Kings

Cauley-Stein may never show enough offensive skill to suggest he has the future of a two-way star in the NBA, but he’s certainly been special for the Kings on defense.

He doesn’t have any statistics that jump out and suggest that he’s already one of the top anchors in the league but using the eye test he’s been something to behold.

Not many players his size have the athleticism and instincts to switch and guard players out on the wing, especially point guards. Sacramento can use him in almost any defensive package and not be affected negatively. Most importantly he can lock down the other team’s best big man freeing up DeMarcus Cousins to focus more on offense where his true talent lies.

Having Cauley-Stein on the floor takes a lot of pressure off of his teammates and I expect that to hold true the rest of the season. Statistics haven’t been his best friends in his rookie year but he’ll make an eye-popping play each night, be it a dunk or monstrous rejection.

Next: Warrants A Trade?