Why Rockets Ex Cauley-Stein Left NBA for Italy

Originally posted on FanNation Inside The Rockets
By Jeremy Brener | Last updated 9/17/23

After nearly a decade of experience in the NBA, former Houston Rockets center Willie Cauley-Stein is looking for greener pastures.

He believes he's found them in Italy with Openjobmetis Varese, a club in the country's top division, after signing with them back in late July.

Cauley-Stein opened up as to why he left the NBA to play overseas.

“When I chose to come to Italy I forced myself not to have expectations; it was my choice because there is often the risk of being disappointed," Cauley-Stein said via Sportando.

"Here in Varese, however, I must say that I have found a great organization and strong teammates, I am very happy. I chose to come to Europe because of the more ‘tactical’ way of playing compared to the 1vs1 basketball that is played today in the NBA, which is conditioned by the players’ desire to produce personal statistics. Here in Europe every game and every ball is important, not like in the NBA where all 82 games are equal…”.

Cauley-Stein's last year in the NBA was with the Rockets organization. He signed with the team last October but failed to make the NBA roster out of training camp. He spent most of his time in the G League, but found a way to Houston a few times, ultimately ending the season on the active roster.

However, if all goes well for Cauley-Stein overseas, it could be the last time the former No. 6 overall pick has any footprints in the NBA.

This article first appeared on FanNation Inside The Rockets and was syndicated with permission.

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