Willie Cauley-Stein (Photo : NBAE via Getty Images)
The Indiana Pacers could explore the trade market for a rebounding big man, and among the options they could consider is Sacramento Kings' Willie Cauley-Stein.
The Pacers could be among the teams looking to land a big man before the deadline as the team attempts to address their rebounding problem. According to ESPN, the Pacers are currently ranked 25th in the league in rebounding, only averaging 41.8 a game.
The presence of Al Jefferson, Myles Turner and Thaddeus Young at the frontcourt, there seems not much of a need for the Pacers to acquire another big to help them crash the boards. But according to A. Sherrod Blakely of CSN Mid-Atlantic, it won't be surprising for Indiana to ponder about acquiring another frontcourt piece to who can rebound and protect the rim.
"Don't be surprised if Indiana starts to take a long, hard look at potential trades that could land them a coveted frontcourt player who can rebound and protect the rim," Blakely wrote.
"Because right now, Indiana just doesn't have the kind of personnel that can provide the kind of resistance at the rim that they need to make some noise in the East."
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Blakely also mentioned that Sacramento Kings sophomore Willie Cauley-Stein could be a possibility for the Pacers. Cauley-Stein has been recently linked to trade rumors, with the second-year center looking for a more established role under Dave Joerger, according to ESPN's Marc Stein.
"Sacramento's Willie Cauley-Stein is a name that has been put out there recently as possibly being available (we'll have more on that later). If he is, Indiana should make a serious pitch for him," Blakely noted.
Cauley-Stein would add depth the Pacers' frontcourt, and while he is limited offensively, the 23-year-old center's ability to secure the boards and protect the rim would be a tremendous boost for the Pacers.
It is unclear whether the Pacers are really interested in adding Cauley-Stein, but considering the Kings' need of a reliable point guard, Indiana could consider dealing Monta Ellis, whose name was also linked to the Kings during the offseason.
However, it seems the Kings intend to keep hold of Cauley-Stein, according to James Ham of CNS Bay Area.
"CSN California has learned that the Kings intend to hold onto the 23-year-old big. They regard him as one of their best defenders and they like his efficiency and energy off the bench," Ham wrote.
No deal seems imminent for the Pacers at this point of the season, but if their rebounding woes continue, expect Indiana package enticing offers to teams.
