DeMarcus Cousins
Alongside Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson, Boogie is easily one of the biggest question marks of free agency this offseason. It was hard trying to decide if Cousins belonged in this category, as his last two season has been polar opposites of each other.
On the Pelicans, Cousins put up staggering numbers, averaging 25 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 5 assists. However, after signing with the Golden State Warriors, he looked like a completely different player, putting up a more human 16.3 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 3.6 assists. To be fair, this isn’t uncommon with Achilles injury, which by all accounts is one of, if not the most devastating injury for any professional athlete.
In the Finals this year, Cousins has had moments of greatness, such as his Game 2 performance, undercut by moments of mediocrity. However, I think all of this will eventually be good for Cousins, who finally gets the playoff experience that has plagued his career, in addition to having another off-season to get his body right.
It’s hard to say what kind of contract offers Cousins will field in the off-season, and even more difficult to determine whether or not Cousins will even accept said offers. He already rejected a sizeable offer from New Orleans last year, in favor of signing a one-year deal for the MLE with Golden State.
Regardless, Cousins should still be a player on the Laker’s radar due to his still dominating presence in the paint, his improved outside shot, and his underrated abilities as a playmaker out of the post. If Cousins can be had for a reasonable price-tag, the Lakers should absolutely consider giving the Boogie experience a try.
Also, people who are worried about Cousin’s attitude causing problems with this team need to remember that LeBron was able to win a title with perhaps the biggest head-case in the NBA in J.R. Smith.