Down South ‘Boogie’
Demarcus Cousins will be looking to sign with another contender this season as injuries have plagued the Center over the last three years. Cousins signed a one-year contract with the Warriors before the 2018–19 season, and returned late in the season after recovering from a torn Achilles.
After working his way back from an injury that could be career ending for some, Cousins used his comeback as motivation. Most of his rehabilitation was catalogued during his SHOWTIME documentary, ‘The Resurgence.’ Demarcus shows how resiliency and hard work can pay off, even if it was short lived.
His luck continued to dissipate during the first quarter of a first-round playoff game against the Los Angeles Clippers. Cousins was sidelined with a torn quadricep that kept him out indefinitely.
At the beginning of the 2019–20 season he was able to sign a one-year deal with the Lakers in hopes for that elusive title. Lets look at a few destination points for the 6'11" journeyman from Kentucky.
As far as his contract is concerned, the veteran’s minimum is the best offer at this point in his career. Maybe there is a scenario where Cousins winds up back in Oakland for the foreseeable future.
The veterans minimum is dependent upon the years a player has been in the league. ‘Boogie’ has been in the league over ten years now so he will be looking to sign somewhere near 2,500,000.
The Golden State Warriors only have two active Centers on the roster, Kevon Looney and James Wiseman. This team doesn’t really want to have a large Front Court with their “run and gun” style of offense.
A second unit with players like Damion Lee and Kent Bazemore would be a good fit for Cousins and he could play for a contender.
The Atlanta Hawks would benefit from signing Demarcus Cousins. In past years ‘Boogie’ has been known to team up with guys he has either played with at Kentucky or guys that he has been with during his turbulent time in the NBA. Rajon Rondo has already played with Cousins on three different teams. Sacramento, New Orleans, and Los Angeles have been featured on some of the pit stops that is ultimately the best NBA Love Story we have seen in years. Could Rondo be bringing Cousins to their fourth destination?
Lloyd Pierce is a great leader of men and this would also be a more realistic fit for a guy who hasn’t always been the easiest to coach. This roster is extremely diverse in age and at thirty years old ‘Boogie’ could become a mentor for the first time in his career.
The Hawks have a great core in Trae Young, Cam Reddish, and John Collins. Having players like Gallinari, Capela, and Rondo could be persuasive to any player looking for a new NBA home.
This is a low risk, high reward scenario for the Hawks. They have been desperately trying to become relevant since drafting Trae Young and it has been underwhelming to say the least.
Atlanta is a booming metropolis and is known for nightlife and entertainment. ‘Boogie’ Cousins certainly fits the criteria for entertainment. The story of Rondo and Cousins will continue, all the way from Hollywood to ‘Hotlanta.’
Written by Brandon Dale, contributor to OKC UK, you can find me on twitter @MrOKCtober. Feel free to leave any comments and thoughts on this article and i hope you enjoyed reading my thoughts.
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