When free agency opened last summer, DeMarcus Cousins didn't expect to end up with the Warriors.
But after he made the decision to join the two-time defending champions, he let it be known that signing with Golden State "was my ace of spades. This was my chess move.”
Cousins has now been with the organization on a daily basis since September and knows what it's like to be a part of the franchise.
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Boogie recently sat down for a conversation with Complex and was asked the following question: "What's different about playing for the Warriors than you previously thought looking from the outside in?"
"Just the preparation, how we go about things," Cousins answered. "It’s one of a kind, it’s first class. It’s a reason there’s a level of success they had. They cater to us differently. It’s just different.
"People don’t really understand unless they’re in it. It’s first class and it’s definitely one of a kind."
Speaking of first class, back in December, Andre Iguodala explained how there is no budget when the Warriors travel for road trips.
Golden State Warriors
"I tell the guys -- I came into the NBA 15 years ago, and we've always had good planes. But the Warriors are pretty special. We always tell the young guys, our rookies -- 'Listen, this isn't the real NBA. The Warriors -- this isn't real. This is kind of like a fantasy land.'
"Everything -- whatever is the best we can find."
It's been a long road back to the court for Cousins, who tore his Achilles tendon on Jan. 26, 2018. After a grueling rehab process, the four-time All-Star finally made his season debut on Jan. 18.
Since his return to game action, his teammates and coaches have constantly supported him publicly and made a concerted effort to make him feel as comfortable as possible.
There's one area, in particular, that's made Cousins feel appreciated.
"My health. It matters. I feel like every player appreciates that," he explained to Complex. "Our health is the No. 1 thing for the organization. Obviously, they have the leeway to make that possible. Health is probably the No. 1 thing that gets overlooked for a player."