Could DeMarcus Cousins follow in Russell Westbrook’s footsteps?

Soccer legend Pele famously quoted years ago, “The more difficult the victory, the greater the happiness in winning.” There’s not much easy about winning in a small market these days.

In a league controlled by its stars, fans are more likely to follow their favorite star, than the hometown they grew up in. Those stars traditionally prefer the big markets.

The NBA, who even in the 80’s and 90’s had numerous super teams at once, are in unprecedented times. Players appear more likely to leave lesser fortunate franchises for an opportunity to play with multiple superstars at in all time rate.

Also, unlike many decades ago, their moves are speculated years before their contract expires. With more superstar contracts up next offseason, that trend seemed likely to continue.

Russell Westbrook was different.

Small market teams don’t get stars like him to commit to a contract a third and fourth time. Just like LeBron James may have broken the mold for superstars to join up; Westbrook may have made staying home cool again.

The art of grinding to beat the best in basketball has been lost. Players have many organizations thinking “if you can’t beat em, join em”. With all of the rapid player movement, small market organizations have to plan years ahead on how to keep the homegrown stars they bring in.

That’s no news to the New Orleans Pelicans as every minute since their last playoff appearance 3 years ago, have heard speculation about their star Anthony Davis leaving. Whether it’s trade rumors to Boston, or Davis eventually walking as a free agent, the rumors never cease. As Davis continues to deny, and speak his desire to bring a championship to NOLA.

Superstar big man DeMarcus Cousins arrived, and things were destined to change right? The Pelicans instead went on miss the playoffs with a limited roster and limited time, and the trade rumors followed Boogie. In fact, sports television personality Nick Wright of FS1 even put together a deal for Boogie.

"“Oh, I don’t think they’re done. I think there is a universe that exists where, come the NBA trade deadline, the New Orleans, Pelicans are floundering.” Wright said while explaining the Cavilers future possible moves.“And all of a sudden, their very sharp GM, Kolby Altman, who got a really good package for Kyrie, calls up New Orleans. And says, hey, how do you feel about two years of Iman Shumpert, the expiring deal of Channing Frye, and that delicious asset, known as the Brooklyn pick?All we want is Boogie Cousins, who’s, probably, leaving you at the end of the season anyway, New Orleans.”"

Cousins, similar to Westbrook before signing his deal, and Davis over the past 5 years; has said nothing but good things about his current town. That shouldn’t be enough to garner 100 percent belief that DeMarcus Cousins is staying, but it should inspire a little confidence. One of the reasons Westbrook signed a record-breaking 5-year 205 million deal outside of his loyalty was the supporting cast built around him.

There were rumors about Westbrook possibly leaving town, but the team had shown they were committed to putting together a winner. The Thunder traded for both Paul George and Carmelo Anthony in what was easily the best NBA offseason.

Some may question the timing of Westbrook’s move as it happened shortly after the Carmelo trade. However, his commitment comes with a gamble as Paul George still has the choice to leave OKC at season’s end.

That would leave Westbrook with only a marginally better team than his playoff squad just a season ago. With the opportunity of leaving himself and going back home to L.A, Westbrook trusted his organization. In turn, he showed loyalty and a sense of rebelliousness that we haven’t seen from a superstar of his magnitude in some time. Perhaps he didn’t want to leave OKC feeling the way KD left him feeling after departure.

Perhaps he didn’t want to leave OKC feeling the way KD did.

DeMarcus Cousins has a similar opportunity for a franchise who doesn’t have the best history but has rolled out the red carpet for him. Being from the south himself, the city has treated Boogie like family.

Between co-star AD and Cousins’ growing relationship, as well as signing one of his favorite players in Rajon Rondo, Cousins seems as happy as we’ve seen him in the NBA.

There’s also the reality that a once juicy free agent market may not be at all next July. Paul George seems focused on the present in OKC. The foregone conclusion LeBron is leaving Cleveland for L.A may be losing steam, and Chris Paul looks extremely motivated to change his legacy in his new home.

So why would he leave?

The brightest NBA stars have always loved the biggest markets and “nicest” cites. Shaquille O’Neal left Orlando for Los Angeles, Carmelo Anthony worked his way out of Denver to New York, and CP3 forced a deal out of New Orleans to the L.A Lakers Clippers.

Going even further back, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in the 1970’s requested a trade to either New York or L.A. He ended up wearing purple and gold. Those are just a few examples of many that have taken place. LeBron James, left Cleveland in the prime of his career to join up with two other superstars in Miami.

Then after two championships left Miami and went back to Cleveland years later.

Kevin Durant made a similar decision. Except for this time, he left a 6-time All-Star and joined a 73 win warriors team. As controversial as Durant’s decision was, it paid off and the Warriors were champions in dominant fashion.

The Pelicans nonetheless should be excited about their chances. There are not many opportunities that will give him one of the top 10 players in the world, youth, and the paycheck he deserves. Maybe some other slots will open, but for right now he’s in a better situation than most think. The overall success of the Pelicans this season will determine the validity of that theory.

DeMarcus Cousins, like Westbrook, has always marched to the beat of his own drum. Both are dominant alpha males and aren’t ones to sweeten up their words or emotions. They both tend to say exactly what they mean.

Next: The New Orleans Pelicans identity will need to be defense

Westbrook preached his loyalty, talked about a future in OKC and now is creating one. We shouldn’t be surprised if “Boogie” follows in “Brodie’s” footsteps.