New Orleans Pelicans: 5 goals for Anthony Davis in 2017-18
5. Quickly jell with DeMarcus Cousins
The rest of the league has placed a priority on lineups featuring perimeter shooting, athleticism and the ability to switch defensive assignments multiple times on a possession. The recipe often led to centers, or any player standing taller than 6’10”, being left on the bench for extended periods of time.
During the 2017 NBA Finals, the combination of Zaza Pachulia and Tristan Thompson, the starting centers in the series, played a total of 198 minutes in the five-game series.
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Instead of adjusting its roster to replicate the Warriors or Cavaliers, New Orleans opted to bring in DeMarcus Cousins to play alongside Anthony Davis.
Cousins has ranked in the top-10 in points per game for five consecutive seasons and has added a viable 3-point shot to his game. Davis ranked fourth in the league last season with an average of 28 points per game.
Even though the 6’11” Cousins and 6’10” Davis present matchup problems, New Orleans posted a record of 7-10 with the duo playing together.
Cousins can enter free agency next summer and if the Pelicans can’t get off to a fast start, the team may look to trade him before the deadline, instead of risking him leaving without any compensation.
A slow start from New Orleans could lead to an early departure for Cousins, the most talented teammate Davis has played with in his NBA career.