On November 30, the Milwaukee Bucks announced the signing of center Demarcus Cousins. Cousins signed a one-year non-guaranteed deal with 2021 World Champions. The former Kentucky prospect is looking for a chance to restart his career. He made his Bucks debut on December 1, scoring seven points and grabbing four rebounds in 15 minutes of action against the Charlotte Hornets. This marked his first game since June 30 for the Los Angeles Clippers, a home playoff game hosting the Phoenix Suns.
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Who is Demarcus Cousins?
Cousins was the fifth pick by the Sacramento Kings in the 2010 NBA draft. He played seven seasons with the Kings upon being traded to the New Orleans Pelicans in the 2016-2017 season. In his second season with New Orleans, Cousins suffered a torn Achilles and the Pelicans decide not to resign him. Later on, Cousins would sign with the 2018 champions Golden State Warriors. He would only play 30 games while rehabbing his injury.
After playing one season with Golden State, he signed with the Los Angeles Lakers. Subsequently, Cousins tore his ACL in an off-season pick-up game. The Alabama native would not play a game this season and would be released by the team. The Lakers would later win the 2020 NBA title that season. In the 2020-2021 NBA season, Cousins signed a one-year deal with the Houston Rockets and would only played 25 games. That same season, Cousins signed a contract with the Los Angeles Clippers and play sixteen games for the team. He would be a reliable backup for Los Angles during their playoff run.
The four-time all-star has a career average of 20.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, 1.2 blocks while shooting forty-six percent from the field.
Why did Milwaukee Sign Him?
Cousins, 31, would be a much-needed frontcourt help for the Bucks, as starting center Brook Lopez underwent back surgery on December 2. As of now, there is no timetable for when Lopez will return… he will be out indefinitely. This deal would be a low-risk high-reward for both Cousins and the Bucks. He would get reliable minutes and may prove to be a consistent source of offense for them. If Cousins plays well, he would be a lock for their 15th roster spot.
“DeMarcus is incredibly talented and his size, toughness, and experience will help us,” said Bucks General Manager Jon Horst. “He will provide added depth to our frontcourt rotation and we look forward to working him into our system.”
How Cousins Fits With the Bucks
When it comes to players joining new teams, it takes time to adjust. Cousins will have ups and downs, but is a fighter and not wasting his chance. He will be a backup for the Bucks, but head coach Mike Budenholzer will find different ways to use him.
Offensively, Cousins will be shooting more three-pointers than he typically has been in his career. Coach Bud has made adjustments to his centers to shoot the three-ball, so expect an increase in attempts and mid-range. The Mobile, AL native has shot over 30 percent from outside the paint for his career. On the other end, Cousins will take time playing defense in the new NBA. He may not be dominant at defense, but he will protect the paint. He may eventually be the defensive anchor for the Bucks bench, assuming he is able to stay healthy throughout the rest of the season.
Overall, it shouldn’t be a difficult for him as the Bucks will try to make it as easy as possible. Cousins will also be reuniting with Jrue Holiday, whom he played alongside for 65 games as a member of the Pelicans from 2017-18. Hopefully, that chemistry can return from the New Orleans days and can spread throughout the locker room.
The Boogie Holiday Connection. 🤝 pic.twitter.com/21ZG0xBT5I
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) December 7, 2021
Where the Team Stands
As of now, the Bucks are 16-9, making them second in the Central Division and third overall in the Eastern Conference. They are currently trailing the second-place Brooklyn Nets and first place Chicago Bulls. They will visit the Miami Heat on Wednesday at 7:30 EST, aired on ESPN.
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Main Image Credit: via TheGameDay.com
