DeMarcus Cousins’ decision to sign with the Golden State Warriors makes life miserable for NBA players and fans alike. None of this would’ve happened if he had put his signature on a 2-year $40 million offer the New Orleans Pelicans made earlier this year, an offer which came after he suffered his season-ending Achilles tear.
DeMarcus Cousins is one of the most divisive figures in the NBA. His skills and talent are undeniable, but questions about his behavior and effect on team culture have followed the 2.10 m. big man throughout his career. It was why teams were reluctant to give up assets when the Sacramento Kings put him on the market a couple of years ago. Buddy Hield and two draft picks was all the Kings received in return for a top 10 player.
Cousins blended in well with Anthony Davis in New Orleans. However, just as the Pelicans were shaping up to challenge the best in the West, he got hurt. The injury was serious too. An Achilles tear is one of the worst injuries for a basketball player. The list of people who have recovered and went back to who they were prior to the injury is practically non-existent. Kobe Bryant, Wesley Matthews and Brandon Jennings are some of the most recent victims of this notorious trauma. Bryant’s retirement was closely related to the fact he couldn’t move the way he used to before he tore his Achilles.
DeMarcus Cousins to the Golden State Warriors. Story: https://t.co/SwIDdq289W
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 3, 2018
It’s even worse for tall players such as Cousins. Their feet have to support a lot of weight and that puts extra pressure, much more than point guards for example. The closest comparable case for a player with this injury, in both size and star status, is that of Elton Brand. The former Clipper was at his career peak when he tore his Achilles. He received a big contract offer from the Philadelphia 76ers following his recovery, but struggled with fitness and never returned to the form which brought him that contract. Therefore, DeMarcus Cousins would’ve done a lot better for himself if he had signed that 2-year $40 million offer New Orleans made.
Signing with the reigning champions is probably the next best thing, even if it is for only for one year and $5.5 million. Not only will he likely end up with a title in Golden State, the Warriors will also allow him to fully heal before joining them on the court. A few solid, injury-free performances upon his return and Cousins will have earned himself that rich contract he has craved for.
