DeMarcus Cousins made what’s been the surprise move of free agency in the NBA thus far, picking up from New Orleans to join the defending champion Golden State Warriors. The move is not one of necessity but of luxury for Golden State, which already has the best roster in the NBA and three titles in four years.
Cousins picked Golden State over the Celtics, and the Lakers had a chance to sign him at a similar rate but decided to go another route.
While the Lakers said they couldn’t wait around to let Cousins get healthy while the rest of the team progressed through the season, the Warriors have exactly that luxury. Which is why Cousins landing in Oakland makes so much sense. And the team has made it clear there’s no need to rush Cousins and his achilles injury back onto the court.
Steve Kerr had already told reporters that Cousins will slip into the starting lineup when he’s healthy, but Warriors GM Bob Myers spoke to reporters in Las Vegas at Summer League and reinforced that notion again on Sunday.
Warriors general manager Bob Myers says there’s no definitive timeline on when DeMarcus Cousins will play, but that, “When he’s ready to play, he’ll play.” Says goal is for him to be ready for the playoffs, not opening night.
— Tim Bontemps (@TimBontemps) July 9, 2018
Myers did make it clear: Cousins was signed to play in the postseason, not the regular season.
Bob Myers downplays uncertainty on when DeMarcus Cousins might return. Myers: "The goal for us is to have him in the playoffs." Cousins has an Achilles rehab appointment in mid July.
— Mark Medina (@MarkG_Medina) July 9, 2018
It’s a luxury only perhaps the Warriors have in the NBA right now, but it’s one that gives further context to Cousins deciding to join Golden State. The team is clearly going to give him time to see doctors, fully heal and make sure he can hopefully continue his career long after this one-year deal with the Warriors. With that in mind, it seems like the Warriors really were the best option for Cousins. They’re a team that, more than any other, is built to dominate in the playoffs. And they just got a player who can help them just in time.
