Indiana Pacers front-office head Larry Bird thinks Kentucky Wildcats standout Willie Cauley-Stein can rake a contract worth $100 million in the future, even telling the best defensive prospect in the draft class he would be a perfect complement to Paul George.
Cauley-Stein participated in the latest NBA Combine last week in preparation for the Draft next month. As expected, his physical tools and versatility stood out, drawing a bevy of scouts and executives salivating on his incredible upside. Apparently, one of them is the great Boston Celtics sharpshooter and Pacers GM.
"'I think you're a $100 million dollar player.' I hear that and I'm like, 'Really?!'" Cauley-Stein reacted to Bird's comments via Real GM.
Considered as a unique talent by most NBA evaluators, the Kentucky Jr. is by far the best defensive prospect in recent years because of his rare combination of length and agility.
In his last year at Kentucky, Cauley-Stein served as the defensive anchor of the Wildcats team that bulldozed their way to the Final Four, only to be upset by a more experienced Wisconsin Badgers in the National Semifinals.
He averaged 8.9 points, 6.4 rebounds and 2.1 blocks in 23 minutes per game while guarding opposing team's best player, whether that be on the perimeter or inside the shaded lane.
Cauley-Stein added that Bird envisions him of playing the center position with George at the power five, giving him the advantage over much slower big men. Still, it's still unsure if his lanky stature could endure the physicality of the NBA.
"They see me as a player in the five position & put Paul (George) at the four. Now I'll have a mismatch..."
The Pacers will know its placing on the draft board in next week’s draft lottery. With regards to Cauley-Stein, they are expected to have competition with the Los Angeles Lakers also showing interest in the 7-foot defensive powerhouse.