The Golden State Warriors made the signing of the summer when word was announced that the two-time defending champions would add DeMarcus Cousins. The All-Star big man is coming back from a ruptured achilles, which history tells us doesn’t bode well for him, but if he can come back healthy, Cousins would give Golden State five legitimate stars in their lineup.
As for what his role will be once that time comes, well, no one knew for sure, but most people would assume that the Warriors would throw Cousins into the starting lineup. Jordan Bell, Damian Jones, and Kevon Looney can shoulder the load until then, but there aren’t many players out there like a healthy Boogie.
Those assumptions proved to be correct, as Steve Kerr made it clear that Cousins will be the team’s starting center once he’s ready to go during availability at NBA Summer League on Friday, with Cousins also present during the Warriors game vs. the Clippers.
Steve Kerr on DeMarcus Cousins: "Once he’s healthy, he’ll start. Nothing against Damian Jones or Jordan Bell, but we’re inheriting this All-Star center and one of the best centers in the league. He’s going to start once he’s fully healthy and ready to roll."
— Mark Medina (@MarkG_Medina) July 7, 2018
The history of big men suffering this injury and bouncing back isn’t really encouraging, as humans the size of Cousins don’t fare well on recently ruptured achilles tendons. But the good news is that the Warriors are the Warriors, and can let him get as close to 110 percent as he can physically get before he takes the floor. Once that happens, Golden State will have five All-Stars in their starting lineup, which somehow makes them even more terrifying.
