The Golden State Warriors raised their ceiling with the addition of DeMarcus Cousins. What would a successful season look like for Boogie?
The Golden State Warriors were prohibitive title favorites before they signed DeMarcus Cousins to a one-year, $5.3 million deal this offseason.
The internet obviously went insane when the best team in the league added yet another All-Star, but there’s no guarantee that Boogie can return to that level of play ever again.
Cousins has recently given us a fairly encouraging video update on his recovery from a ruptured Achilles. However, he’s still a long way from suiting up for a regular season game, let alone dominate like he did before the injury.
Cousins reportedly turned down a two-year contract from the Pelicans, and choosing a one-year deal suggests that he views this as a “prove it” season where he could earn a major contract next offseason.
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In order to do that, Boogie will need to show that he at least has the potential to become a player that could average 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists like he did before the injury.
Those numbers will likely be out of reach this season, and he doesn’t need to have that type of usage on a roster that already has four other All-Stars.
I think Cousins should focus on proving that he can play winning basketball, which has been a criticism of him throughout his career.
In Golden State, he’ll have an opportunity to play on the biggest stage where he can show that he has matured and is willing to play in a team context without being a nuisance or a ball hog.
If Boogie can improve in those areas this year, he has a great chance to win his first championship ring and inspire some teams to give him big money as a free agent without putting up huge stats.
Check out the other Golden State Warriors’ goals for the 2018-19 season: