The New Orleans Pelicans will not be adding DeMarcus Cousins to their Orlando roster, but could they make a run at him in the offseason?
If the New Orleans Pelicans were even considering signing DeMarcus Cousins for Orlando, they can put those plans on the back-burner.
According to Shams Charania, Cousins has decided not to return for the re-start of play at NBA Disney:
Sources: Multiple teams have expressed interest in DeMarcus Cousins but have been told the four-time All-Star will sit out the resumed season and continue rehab for full return in 2020-21.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 23, 2020
It’s unclear if the Pelicans were one of the teams that expressed interest in their former center, probably not, but it’s a moot point anyway because he won’t be playing.
However, if Cousins’ offseason rehab goes well, he will definitely draw interest from a number of teams, possibly even the New Orleans Pelicans.
The Pels will be in need of a center one way or the other, as Derrick Favors is a free agent and may opt for greener pastures if the Pelicans don’t make him the highest offer.
Even if you believe Jaxson Hayes is ready to take over full-time duties (he’s not), the Pels would still need a backup and there might not be a more interesting option than Cousins.
If Favors ends up re-signing, the Pelicans are not a good fit for Cousins unless he is willing to take the Jahlil Okafor role as a third center.
If Cousins were willing to take such a role, there might be a fit, as he could be a bench scoring option that the Pelicans currently lack. When their 3-point shots aren’t falling in the second unit, the Pels have difficulty scoring, so having a potential go-to post scorer would be beneficial.
It’s also likely that Boogie will improve his 3-point shooting from his 33.2 percent career mark, making him a potential stretch-five fit with Zion Williamson.
With such limited options in free agency, the Pelicans are likely to get creative when they are filling out their bench. Cousins could be a fit, but only if he’s willing to take a lesser role, which he might not be.