Golden State Warriors should reunite with DeMarcus Cousins
By Tony Pesta
The Houston Rockets have unexpectedly announced they are parting ways with DeMarcus Cousins. This opens a path for the Golden State Warriors to reunite with the former All-Star and the timing couldn’t be more perfect.
The Dubs have been dealing with a depleted rotation as Marquese Chriss, Kevon Looney and James Wiseman have all suffered injuries leaving the team with no traditional center in recent weeks.
The Golden State Warriors’ frontcourt is decimated with injuries and DeMarcus Cousins may be the perfect addition for this squad.
While the Warriors’ small-ball lineups haven’t done too bad, posting a plus 5.7 Net Rating in their last 10 games, it’s obvious a player like Cousins could benefit them. They’ve given up the third-most rebounds in the league since Wiseman’s injury and need a big body to clean up the glass.
The Houston Rockets and center DeMarcus Cousins are planning to part ways in coming days, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Houston wants to go smaller, younger in frontcourt when Christian Wood returns and this allows Cousins to find an opportunity elsewhere.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 20, 2021
Cousins has dealt with his own injuries in the past. His constant leg injuries caused him to struggle heavily in the 2019 NBA Finals – but he has looked like a changed man in Houston. He’s played in all but three games this season and is averaging 9.6 points and 7.6 rebounds in roughly 20 minutes of playing time.
The Rockets have chosen to let go of Cousins after the emergence of Christian Wood as their big of the future. This makes sense for the Rockets as they shift towards a rebuild in the wake of James Harden’s departure.
For the Warriors, this marks an opportunity to capitalize on the Rockets’ firesale. Cousins will be eligible to sign with any NBA team and his contract will be no issue for the Warriors. He’s a great addition to their frontcourt and can help them compete with a weakened rotation.
Cousins has lost a step since tearing his ACL but he’s still a monster in the paint. He can bang in the post and rebound at a high rate. He’s also shooting 33.6 percent from deep, which isn’t great but good enough for a player of his position.
It makes too much sense for the Warriors to sign Cousins. I’d fully expect the team to push for him as soon as possible.
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