Pelica Debrief
Fansided

Three Reasons Why DeMarcus Cousins May Or May Not Re-Sign With The New Orleans Pelicans

By Mark Nilon

NEW ORLEANS, LA - NOVEMBER 11: DeMarcus Cousins #0 of the New Orleans Pelicans walks onto the court before a game against the LA Clippers at the Smoothie King Center on November 11, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - NOVEMBER 11: DeMarcus Cousins #0 of the New Orleans Pelicans walks onto the court before a game against the LA Clippers at the Smoothie King Center on November 11, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /
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NEW ORLEANS, LA – APRIL 21: Anthony Davis #23 of the New Orleans Pelicans and DeMarcus Cousins #0 of the New Orleans Pelicans seen in the locker room after the game against the Portland Trail Blazers in Game Four of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 21, 2018 at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA – APRIL 21: Anthony Davis #23 of the New Orleans Pelicans and DeMarcus Cousins #0 of the New Orleans Pelicans seen in the locker room after the game against the Portland Trail Blazers in Game Four of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 21, 2018 at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Easing Back Into Things

The New Orleans Pelicans saw, arguably, their most successful season in franchise history during the 2017-18 campaign. They finished the year with a record of 48-34 and an appearance in the Western Conference Semifinals. They look to be a team poised for more success in the near future. And, the fact remains, they achieved all of this WITHOUT DeMarcus Cousins in the lineup.

With what the Pelicans achieved last season without Boogie, there would be no need to rush him back into the lineup. He could take all the time his body needs before stepping back onto the hardwood. This is a luxury he really wouldn’t be able to get anywhere else.

Say he decided to sign with the Dallas Mavericks or Los Angeles Lakers this offseason. Though they would obviously respect his recovery timetable, the pressure would be on for him to produce as soon as he registers his first minutes donning the new jersey. This is due to the pressure felt by the organizations to produce a winning season, for both are in the midst of multi-year playoff droughts.

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Unlike other teams vying for his services, New Orleans has seen recent success, adding less pressure for Cousins to produce right away. This is a luxury that Boogie may want to consider attaining.