DeMarcus Cousins is an interesting individual. He’s obviously a very talented player. At 6-11, he’s shown off his tremendous skill set as a premier big man since his days at Kentucky. With a knack for scoring around the basket, rebounding at an alarming rate, and dishing off the rock like a pure point guard, he’s an all-around commodity. Yet, with every positive comes a negative. Cousins has always been a rambunctious character. Mouthing off at his coaches and taking plays off are becoming part of his trademark.
When coming into the league, many GMs labeled Cousins as your traditional high-risk, high-reward player. His talent was immense, yet this loquacious attitude against authority was a red flag.
One team that took a chance on him in the 2010 Draft was the Sacramento Kings. How has Sacramento fared thus fair with Cousins? Well, statistically he averaged 14.6 points and 8.6 rebounds a night in his rookie year before becoming an indomitable center the following year where his numbers skyrocketed to 18.1 points and 11 rebounds a game. While these gaudy numbers look good on paper, his team wasn’t able to reach the playoffs in either year, and the Kings are destined for the lottery yet again in 2013.
In addition to that, his bad boy persona has been on full display. His tumultuous relationship with former coach Paul Westphal came first. It was reported the two couldn’t see eye-to-eye about the team’s direction. Westphal sent Cousins home because he was “unwilling/unable to embrace traveling in the same direction as his team; it cannot be ignored indefinitely.” Four days later, Westphal was fired.
Next up, current coach Keith Smart. During a game against the Clippers this year, Smart and Cousins fought during halftime. This lead to his suspension that was eventually lifted two days later. Now, after examining this, you have to think this marriage is over, right? Forget Dr. Phil, we need to part ways. Why not? The Kings are currently 12-20 this season, and are in need of a dire makeover. We had three seasons of the DeMarcus Cousins show, and unfortunately haven’t seen any positive results.
It’s no surprise people in Cousins’ camp are leaking teams he’d like to be traded to. Sacramento’s ownership doesn’t wish to trade their most talented player, but if the two sides continue to bump heads, a trade will be likely.
I love his game and would like to see him prosper in this league – just not in Sacramento. Here are five places where I think DeMarcus could thrive, regardless of what they have to offer or don’t have (we’ve seen superstars get traded for virtually nothing in this league).
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BOSTON CELTICS
I would love to see a frontcourt consisting of DMC and KG. That’s a sexy frontcourt that will impose fear into opposing teams. Imagine the leadership and wisdom that would be passed down from veterans like Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Doc Rivers. A winning atmosphere can elevate Cousins’ level of play and more importantly, get his head together. This would also boost the Celtics’ chances of competing for the Eastern Conference title once Garnett and Pierce move on. Did I forget to mention the combination of Rondo and Cousins? Oh God (Rondo would possibly be involved in any trade with Sacramento, but if Boston could find a way to end up with both players, that would be an explosive duo, in more ways than one.).
DALLAS MAVERICKS
This is another place where I think DeMarcus could do some work. Granted, the Mavericks are struggling right now. I understand that. But listen, you have a reputable coach in Rick Carlisle that takes no crap and demands the utmost effort on the court. You have Dirk Nowitzki, who like KG, has seen the promised land and could instill some knowledge on DMC. If you’re searching for some dose of young legs for years to come, imagine Cousins and O.J. Mayo doing work together (although Mayo’s short contract would make him very appealing to the Kings). A winning establishment is what DeMarcus needs and Dallas could be a serviceable landing spot for the big man.
HOUSTON ROCKETS
I know Omer Asik is playing solid ball. I know that. But let’s be completely honest. Is Asik equivalent to DeMarcus Cousins talent-wise? I think not. Yes, this team is relatively young but they’re driven and willing to win. You have a proven cornerstone in James Harden. He’s already said publicly that he’s scouting for some talent to join the Rockets sometime soon. Why not bring in DeMarcus? You’re taking a chance on risking team chemistry, but how often do you get a potential top-tier center in a league where studs above seven feet tall are a rarity? I’m convinced Kevin McHale and James Harden could push DeMarcus Cousins mentally, and demand more from him because of their quality leadership skills.
WASHINGTON WIZARDS
This is a funny right? Now hear me out. This is just for fantasy purposes. I’m an avid 2K player and love making crazy deals to have a star-studded team. This team is in obvious disarray – John Wall doesn’t even look like he wants to come back. But, I really feel John Wall would be rejuvenated by the thought of playing alongside his former sidekick from UK in Cousins. They pose a threat together and the chemistry is already there between the two. You have Bradley Beal, who is slowly coming together and just won the Eastern Conference’s Rookie of the Month award for December, as either trade bait for Cousins or as a fantastic third option if he’s kept in D.C. You have some veterans in Emeka Okafor and Nene who could each shed some life lessons on Cousins. Would this happen? Probably not, but I mean, it’s good to dream.
CLEVELAND CAVALIERS
The idea of playing alongside a smooth point guard is an intriguing thought for DeMarcus Cousins. A tandem consisting of him and Kyrie Irving would definitely eliminate Cleveland’s remaining chatter revolving around LeBron‘s departure. Irving has evolved quickly into a top five point guard in this league by averaging 22.7 points and 5.6 assists a game. He formed a competitive tandem with Anderson Varejao this year, but he’s going to need a stronger piece in order to fight for a playoff spot within the next few years. Varejao is 30. Cousins is 22. With Byron Scott there to monitor Cousins’ behavior in case he acts up, and a solid supporting cast in Dion Waiters, C.J. Miles and Tristan Thompson, in addition to Kyrie and DeMarcus anchoring the ship, this would be something to watch out for (Although Waiters and/or Thompson would probably be involved in any sort of trade to get DMC, we can dream.).
What team would be the best home for DMC?
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