DeMarcus Cousins is one of those NBA players who has traveled all over the league during his 11 seasons, and now his journey is taking him to the Denver Nuggets.
The Nuggets are signing him to a 10-day contract, according to Shams Charania:
The Denver Nuggets are planning to sign free agent center DeMarcus Cousins to a 10-day contract, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 9, 2022
In previous seasons, signing Cousins might have been considered a bad idea but he’s been doing superb work lately and could greatly enhance and assist the Nuggets, who are struggling to compete in the crowded Western Conference filled with the likes of Chris Paul, Stephen Curry, and Rudy Gobert.
Cousins Is Crushing It
Throughout his career, Cousins has been known as a big man with a chip on his shoulder.
Indeed, for many years he was seen as someone who could get into scuffles at the drop of a hat.
He has also been known as someone who can create a lot of points and a lot of rebounds too: his career averages are 20.1 points and 10.4 rebounds a game.
His best season was in 2016-2017 when he was creating 27.8 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 4.8 assists for the Sacramento Kings.
Over the last few years, Cousins’ output has cooled – as has his attitude – but he’s been again showing signs of greatness.
Most recently, he has been playing for the champion Milwaukee Bucks, where he was making himself known on the floor.
While playing there, Cousins averaged 9.1 points and 5.8 rebounds in 17 games played.
His season-best was 22 points, eight rebounds, and four assists against the Dallas Mavericks.
With those sorts of numbers, some expected the Bucks to sign Cousins for more but he actually makes more sense in Denver.
DeMarcus In Denver
There is a good chance that Cousins will find a suitable role for himself with the Nuggets.
In fact, he fits perfectly with their roster.
There is no debate that the Nuggets are currently built around MVP Nikola Jokic – the big man is the lynchpin that holds the whole team together.
But he needs help and, if he intends to stay healthy, he needs some rest.
That’s where Cousins comes in.
Coming off the bench, Cousins can fill in for Jokic and allow him to take some time off and not feel so much pressure or play for so many minutes.
Before Cousins, JaVale McGee was tasked with that job but he was sent to the Phoenix Suns – leaving an important and big hole in the Nuggets’ lineup.
Cousins can play with tenacity and grit and can help push the team forward with Jokic is getting some much-need relaxation on the bench.
Plus, this signing looks better when you think of who is coaching the Nuggets.
Mike Malone, current head coach in Denver, knows Cousins very well.
In fact, Malone coached Cousins when he played in Sacramento and the two remain close.
Nuggets coach Michael Malone checks in on his old friend DeMarcus ‘Boogie’ Cousins following their game against Golden State pic.twitter.com/dQRT1s5ltF
— courtsideKaren (@KyleHighRadio) October 22, 2018
Malone knows how Cousins plays, and he knows how to use him and how to best guide him.
For that reason alone, this signing makes a lot of sense.
It’s going to benefit Jokic – which benefits the team – and it’s going to reunite a coach and player who worked excellently together in the past.
If you’re a Nuggets fan, this acquisition should raise your hopes for the future of the Mile High City.
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