The Golden State Warriors made a splash when they signed DeMarcus Cousins, but how will he impact the overall team?
When the Golden State Warriors signed DeMarcus Cousins this season, many believed the NBA season was already decided. Fans everywhere assumed that the Warriors would be unstoppable playing with a lineup of five All-Stars. After a month of the 2018-19 NBA season, are these beliefs still in place?
The Warriors haven’t exactly been up to par recently. Sure, a hot start to the season got them off to a 10-1 record. However, they have gone 4-6 since then to give them an overall record of 14-7.
Golden State is experiencing something that they have never felt before. For the first time in the Steve Kerr era, there is some controversy between star players. The tension between Kevin Durant and Draymond Green has seemed to decline, but their altercation exposed an underlying problem that has been waiting to bubble over.
Everyone on this Warriors is roster is wondering what KD will do with his upcoming free agency and it is surely going to play a role in how the team functions moving forward. Green’s outburst a few weeks ago is only a microcosm of what is really going on behind the scenes.
How is any of this relevant to the way Cousins will fit with the team? Well, Cousins is known for being an outspoken individual. Boogie has proven to be a hot head on the court and his fiery attitude can often rub people the wrong way. Therefore, his potential to further damage the team’s chemistry is a storyline that should be followed.
By no means is anyone expecting Cousins to sabotage the Golden State Warriors. In fact, Cousins will more than likely have a positive effect on this team. His presence will bring more depth to the team and add an extra safety net in case the Dubs fall into a slump. Cousins is extremely talented and his ability to stretch the floor makes him and the Warriors a match made in heaven.
However, it is very important that Boogie manages to accept his role with the team, regardless of what it becomes. If Cousins struggles to be the star he once was, then that is something he needs to come to terms with. The Warriors cannot afford another star player stirring up more controversy. Not when they are on the path to a third consecutive NBA championship.
Hopefully, Cousins will be inserted seamlessly into the lineup. Outside of the recent altercations, the Warriors have implemented an amazing system of selflessness within the organization. It’s fair to assume that the Dubs will have little to no problems helping Boogie fit with the team.