The last few years have been a rocky journey for DeMarcus Cousins.
Once at the pinnacle of NBA talent as a four-time All-Star, a ruptured Achilles in 2018 derailed his basketball career. It cost Cousins what would have been a monster payday as one of the league’s top centers. Then, a torn ACL sidetracked him again, forcing him to miss the entire 2019-20 campaign after contributing to the Warriors’ run to the 2019 NBA Finals.
Over the last two seasons, Cousins has suited up in four different locker rooms. He spent last year with the Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Clippers, and he wasn’t on a roster to begin the 2021-22 season. Cousins signed on with the defending champion Milwaukee Bucks for 17 games before landing with the Denver Nuggets, where he seems to have gotten his career back on the rails.
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Draymond Green, whose Warriors sent Cousins and the Nuggets packing with a series-clinching 102-98 victory in Game 5 on Wednesday night, believes Cousins’ story on the court is still being written.
“Got to give a lot of credit to DeMarcus Cousins,” Green said on Thursday’s episode of “The Draymond Green Show.” “DeMarcus Cousins played an incredible game, actually an incredible series. He was a huge problem for us this series.”
Cousins was effective in a limited role with Denver, averaging 10.6 points and 3.4 rebounds in 11.4 minutes per game over the five-game series. He saved his best for last, going off for 19 points and grabbing four boards in 15 minutes in Game 5. Cousins was instrumental in building a 10-point lead for the Nuggets in the third quarter, saving 11 of his points for the second half.
It didn't add up to a Nuggets win, but if nothing else, he left a good last impression as an impending free agent.
Golden State Warriors
“For a guy who’s been through so much, for a guy who spent significant time this year not being on a roster, teams would be absolutely crazy if he’s not on a roster going into next year,” Green said. “Because if you think DeMarcus Cousins can’t help your team win, he helped them win Game 4 and almost carried them to a Game 5 win.”
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Following the game, Cousins admitted he doesn’t have a clue what could be in store this summer. He was still in shock that a certain Warriors guard twisted the dagger into Denver in the fourth quarter.
“I honestly don’t know what the future holds,” Cousins said after Game 5. “In this short time, a lot has transpired. I’m still trying to get over the fact that [Gary Payton II] hit that big shot, man. Like I said, I’m extremely grateful for this opportunity. I’m happy to be a part of this group."
Hey, the Warriors could use another big man next season. Maybe general manager Bob Myers will come calling for a reunion?