Cousins will be coming back from his third major injury, but if the New Orleans Pelicans could get him on a one year minimum deal, it might be worth the risk.
The New Orleans Pelicans are in an enviable position in the NBA. They have a load of young talent and ascending stars, a good group of role players and a chest full of draft capital.
With so many assets the Pelicans are in a position to compete for years to come. They are also in a position to take small risks.
One such risk may be taking a flyer on center DeMarcus Cousins, who tore his ACL last summer and hasn’t been heard from since.
Cousins’ ACL tear was his third major injury in three years, so after being waived by the Lakers, it’s not even clear if Cousins is willing or able to return to the NBA.
Cousins has a complicated relationship with the New Orleans Pelicans, who have been down this road before and may not ever want to return.
It would be understandable if the Pelicans wouldn’t even consider bringing Cousins back as a free agent, but it would also make a whole lot of sense if they did.
Cousins has always been a controversial figure and a singular talent, a paradox that every team that has employed him has had to deal with. He’s had one of the most frustrating careers in recent memory, as he is one of the most talented big men the game has ever seen, but also a hothead, a locker room problem and keeps suffering major injuries.
No team is likely to offer Cousins a lucrative deal in the 2020 offseason, as he hasn’t proven that he’s healthy or even able to play at all.
If Cousins does decide to try and come back from his latest injury, the New Orleans Pelicans should probably run away, but there are some compelling reasons to take a look.