“The Rockets will part ways with DeMarcus Cousins.”
“The Rockets will try a smaller and younger lineup after Christian Wood returns.”
“This means that Cousins may have to find another way out.”
Recently, “The Athletic” reporter Shams Charania revealed that the Rockets are likely to lay off the current backup center DeMarcus Cousins after the main center Christian Wood returns from injury, making the entire team younger and more mobile.
But what’s interesting is that the Rockets only converted Cousins’ non-guaranteed contract into a formal contract a few days ago, so if the news is true and he is now laid off, the Rockets must guarantee part of his salary according to the regulations, rather than just lay off before the conversion. It’s all right.
If Cousins is to be released, why do the Rockets have to do such a loss-making business? According to Charania, it is to express affirmation of Cousins’ professional attitude.
Arrogant and talented center
“Cousins is really omnipotent.”
“As long as he can control his temper, he is undoubtedly one of the strongest players in the league.”
The author’s first impression of Cousins, former Kings coach George Karl put it best. As the coach who has taken Cousins, Karl has not only been exposed by the media that he is incompatible with Cousins. It is also true that Cousins at the beginning of his career felt like a hot prodigal. The fouls in the first two seasons of his career have been ranked first in the league. There are also several seasons of technical fouls that have accumulated to the standard of suspension. Not only that, but also outside the court. Negative news such as scolding reporters, dissatisfied with the operation of the team and coaches.
But the opposite is Cousins’ unquestionable talent. In the six and a half seasons in Sacramento, Cousins had an all-around score of 21.1 points, 10.8 rebounds, 3 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.2 blocks. He was also selected to the All-Star Game three times and the second team of the league twice. On the court, Cousins has a very strong sense of presence. He is 6 feet 10 inches (approximately 208 cm) tall. In theory, he should be living in the penalty area, but Cousins is different. He has a very diverse skill package and can be captured like a center. Rebound, then push forward like a defender, and then use the forward’s shooting touch to put the ball into the basket.
It can be said that on the offensive end, it is definitely not too much to describe Cousins as brilliant. His strength is not like a physical striker flying into the sky, but a flexible shooting feel and physical coordination. Cousins doesn’t need to rely on the defender to feed the ball. He can sway his opponent with his changeable footsteps and then shoot through. Or singles in the penalty area to score points.
And in contrast to his temperamental character, Cousins’ judgment on the court is actually very smart. He can make corresponding offensive methods according to the type of defensive player. If today is a player who is shorter than him, he will use the back frame or hold high. To play, use his thick body to score points; if facing a player who is taller than him, he can switch between holding the ball to cut or mid-range jumper to make the opponent at a loss.
In those years, DeMarcus Cousins was the king of Sacramento.
“He is a genius.”
“For him, 20 points and 10 rebounds are just basic.”
Even though the Kings entered the reconstruction and sent Cousins to the Pelicans and had a college brother Anthony Davis who overlapped with him, Cousins still came to New Orleans in the last 17 games, surrendering 24.4 points, 12.4 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and he was only 26 years old at the time. Just as he was about to reach the pinnacle of his career, just as the Pelicans’ twin towers were about to hit this small ball-dominated league, the accident happened.
A rebound completely changed the direction of the story
“Everyone is sad.”
“We played well this season, and Cousins also played the best season of his career.”
“He is very important to us.”
On January 26, 2018, 8.1 seconds before the end of the Pelicans vs. Rockets, Cousins fell to the ground during an offensive rebound. It was difficult to even stand up and out of the court. He finally diagnosed a ruptured Achilles tendon on his left foot. Quarterly reimbursement. Although the victory was maintained after the game, the Pelicans coach Alvin Gentry was not happy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZRrNCA0oMk
For athletes, a ruptured heel tendon is basically the end of a career. Even if they can return to the court, their explosiveness and physical fitness will drop sharply. And to make matters worse, this season is also Cousins’ contract year. After a major injury, it is doubtful that he can maintain his success. Moreover, it will take at least half a season for surgery and rehabilitation. No team will be willing to bet on a need. A player whose status is still unclear after his return.
At that time, many people generally looked down upon Cousins, but I believe that Cousins is not the kind of center that relies on physical fitness. It is true that the explosive power of the upper mid-level of the league can bring him some advantages, but he depends more on the reaction and diversity on the court. His scoring skills make a living, so even if the Achilles tendon ruptures may make him no longer an All-Star, on offense, he is still better than many centers in the league.
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