Should the New Orleans Pelicans Take a Chance on DeMarcus Cousins?

The New Orleans Pelicans Should Consider DeMarcus Cousins

The Pelicans need another center regardless of what happens with Favors.

Third centers in the NBA usually do one thing pretty well, such as defend the rim, set picks or space the floor.

Third centers don’t play as much, aren’t asked to do as much, and usually make the league minimum.

This sounds like a perfect gig for DeMarcus Cousins.

Even if Cousins’ defense is lacking, he can still score, and as he gets older, he will likely be able to step away from the hoop and spread the floor.

In 2017-18 Cousins shot 35.4 percent from 3-point range for the New Orleans Pelicans on 6.1 attempts per game, which are numbers that should intrigue the Pels.

Ideally the Pelicans could find a big man who can stretch the floor for short periods of time to allow Zion Williamson to operate in the paint. There aren’t too many bigs like that in the NBA, but Cousins could be one of them.

Cousins is also a gifted passer, so even if his offensive game has taken a step back, he can still operate from the high post, run pick-and-roll and step out for long-range shots.

Boogie would definitely be on a minutes limitation, but that’s ok. If the Pelicans retain Favors and have Hayes as the backup, Cousins would only be asked to play a handful of minutes per game.

The Pels would be hard pressed to find a third center who could provide the type of offensive firepower that Boogie potentially brings to the table. If healthy, he’s still a singular talent, a guy who could carry a team for very short stretches.

As recently as April 2019 Cousins had a 28 point, 13 rebound, 5 assist effort against the Denver Nuggets. Even if Cousins is at 50 percent he’s still better than most backup centers in the NBA.

Some team may roll the dice on Cousins’ potential and give him a multi-year deal, but it’s unlikely with his injury history, so he can probably be had on a one-year minimum deal.

He’ll be anxious to prove he can still play, so the Pels could potentially get big time production for practically nothing.

He is also a fit roster wise, especially if he continues to improve his 3-point shooting. If Boogie could shoot closer to 40 percent from long-range, he’d potentially be a nice fit with the second unit or even in short stretches with Zion.

DeMarcus Cousins will probably go down in NBA history as one of the great “what-ifs” as there have been few big men who were more talented or more frustrating.

If the Pelicans could secure him on a one year minimum deal, he’d be worth a look as a third center who could play spot minutes that the Pels need while rebuilding his value.