Signing DeMarcus Cousins
For a while, DeMarcus Cousins was widely regarded as one of the best big men in the league. The 2017-2018 season saw him put up an insane line of 25.2 points, 12.9 rebounds, 5.4 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.6 blocks Per Game. Sadly, that season would also be his last at full strength.
Following a series of devastating injuries to his Achilles, right quad, and Left ACL, “Boogie” has only played in 30 regular-season games over the last 34 months.
Though he didn’t officially play for the Los Angeles Lakers last season, he was technically on the roster. About midway through the year, Rob Pelinka and the Lakers Organization waived him to create cap space while also allowing him to continue rehabbing at their facility.
This may prove to be a wise move, as it is well known that he stayed in close contact with several members of the organization during this process.
While it is unknown what he will be like once (and if…) he gets back on the floor, he is well worth the risk, considering he’ll likely only command a veteran’s minimum contract. If he is even 70% of the player he was before the injuries, he is still a very solid back up center.
Should that be the case, it may be a blessing in disguise, too. If he is willing to come off the bench, which, considering his injuries, he’ll likely be humbled enough to agree, Boogie could find himself in the Sixth Man of the Year Award race, dominating second units as he gets back into the rhythm of his play.
This coming season could go several ways for Cousins. If he has indeed returned to form, what better place to show the world than Los Angeles? If he struggles and finds he is not the player he once was, playing with LeBron and Anthony Davis is a good way to win without doing much (just ask Jared Dudley).
This brings me to the final set of moves Rob Pelinka should prioritize this offseason. . .