Dallas Mavericks: Willie Cauley-Stein has debut to forget vs. Suns

Dallas Mavericks center Willie Cauley-Stein saw his first action with the team on Jan. 28 against the Phoenix Suns. Here is a look at his debut.

The Dallas Mavericks traded a second round pick to acquire Willie Cauley-Stein last week. The 26-year-old center was starting for the Warriors. He averaged 7.9 points, 6.2 rebounds, 1.1 steals, and 1.2 blocks in 22.9 minutes per game so far this season.

The Mavs need some help in the frontcourt after the season-ending injury to Dwight Powell. Coach Carlisle had been playing small with Kristaps Porzingis and Maxi Kleber at the five. The lineup has struggled to rebound but provides significant floor spacing. Cauley-Stein gives Dallas a more traditional center in their rotation.

He finally made his debut with the Dallas Mavericks on Jan. 28 as they hosted the Phoenix Suns. Here is a look at Willie Cauley-Stein’s first game with the team.

Excited to join the Mavs

WCS talked about joining the Mavericks prior to Tuesday’s game. Fans can listen to his comments below.

The seven-footer genuinely seems excited about coming to Dallas. He knows that Luka Doncic can help unlock his tremendous potential. The Mavs are also going to provide Cauley-Stein with his first playoff experience this season.

First stint

The Mavericks got off to a tremendously slow start against the Suns. They were down 22-11 by the time WCS checked in for the first time. There was 4:21 remaining in the first quarter. Coach Carlisle was looking for any boost he could muster.

Cauley-Stein was relatively quiet in his first stint with the Mavs. He was subbed out with four seconds remaining the first. WCS missed a few opportunities.

Trill would not re-enter the game until 8:05 left in the fourth quarter. By that point, the Suns were up 120-84. It did not stop him from producing one of the best highlights of the evening, though.

https://twitter.com/dallasmavs/status/1222364295591317505

Cauley-Stein finished his first game with the Mavericks with four points, three rebounds, one assist and two steals on two of four from the field in 12 minutes of action.

WCS is still adjusting to the Dallas Mavericks. Expect him to play more starting on Friday night against the Rockets. Cauley-Stein was not familiar with the plays and schemes yet. That should all be sorted by the Mavs’ next game.

Stay tuned to The Smoking Cuban for opinions and analysis on the Dallas Mavericks and Willie Cauley-Stein all season long.