New Orleans Pelicans: 5 goals for DeMarcus Cousins in 2017-18

4. Shoot 40 percent from 3-point range

Cousins might be known more for his ability to dominate opponents on the low block, although he has proven that he can shoot from beyond the arc in recent years, making him arguably the most versatile big man in the game today.

In 55 games with the Kings last year, Cousins shot 35.6 percent from downtown. After being dealt to the Pelicans, he continued to showcase his touch from the outside, shooting a career-high 38 percent from 3-point range in just 17 contests for the New Orleans.

Should Cousins shoot at least 40 percent or better from long range next season, it would serve as an added benefit to his team. The Pelicans lack knock down shooters on the perimeter, and could use major help in the 3-point shooting department. The team finished the season in the middle of the pack, although a drop-off in overall efficiency occurred during the second half of the 2016-17 campaign.

Cousins shot 41.2 percent on wide open looks from deep in his seventh season, and while New Orleans will not seek to rely upon on the shot as much as other teams around the league, he can generate offense there when head coach Alvin Gentry seeks to find it. Teams will seek to pack the paint against them and dare newcomers such as guards Rajon Rondo and Tony Allen to shoot.

So why not let the big man let it fly?