Golden State Warriors: DeMarcus Cousins not expected to return in WCFs

Once thought to return this series, it appears the Golden State Warriors aren’t expecting for DeMarcus Cousins to come back quite yet.

Early reporting indicated that DeMarcus Cousins could return in the Western Conference Finals. Although the Golden State Warriors don’t need the big man, his return would be a welcome sight for fans.

However, Steve Kerr is not preparing to have the big man at his disposal during this matchup with Portland. For Cousins, the extra time to heal his partially torn quad, which he injured in the Warriors’ first-round matchup, is ideal, especially given his past lower-body injuries.

Per CBS Sports, Cousins return may not be as close as fans would hope for either.

"“He hasn’t even stepped on the floor yet … DeMarcus is probably similar. He hasn’t had any live stuff on the court yet. He’s not that close either. Hopefully, another week goes by and he’ll get better and now we have a better prognosis but at this point, we’re getting ready for this series without both of them.”"

This obviously isn’t what fans want to hear, but if it’s what Cousins needs, it’s what everyone involved must accept.

For Cousins, rushing into a series that his presence isn’t 100% needed in isn’t smart. The Warriors’ training staff wouldn’t put him in a situation where he’d be suspectable to easily re-injuring his quad.

That said, it seems the Finals, which Golden State fully intends to make, is a more likely target for the 6-foot-11 big.

After rupturing his Achilles prior to the playoffs last year and seeing just one full game in the postseason this year, a return in the Finals would be incredible for both Cousins and his diehard fanbase to see.

The 28-year-old averaged 16.3 points per game in his 30 regular-season appearances for the Warriors. Upon his return, those numbers can’t be expected to keep up given what physical condition he’ll most likely be in.

Both limited minutes and limited usage could be in store for Cousins even if he does return. The rotation that he left won’t be the same one he returns to, especially with the high minutes currently being given to Iguodala and Green.

Against a threat like Toronto or Milwaukee, Iggy may be the better play to cause mismatches and play the Warriors style of basketball. His return and ensuing use will be a huge development for Golden State.