DeMarcus Cousins had a fantastic year last season but didn’t help the New Orleans Pelicans reach the playoffs. Maybe it’s time they feature his talents more on the offensive end this upcoming season.
For DeMarcus Cousins and the New Orleans Pelicans, time is a luxury that both sides don’t have for this season. With the blockbuster trade that was made after All-Star weekend, it seemed like Cousins could be a long-term fixture.
The past few months, however, have shown that the narrative of the NBA has dramatically changed. Nobody can assume what the franchise or its star player will do in the future. The narrative has shifted to the point it’s hard to predict what will happen this year.
DeMarcus Cousins is on the last year of the contract extension he signed with the Sacramento Kings back in 2013. He’ll be one of the top free agents next summer if he ditches New Orleans for greener pastures. It will only happen if Boogie believes he can’t win with this team, can’t coexist with Anthony Davis or has already made his mind up for playing with another team next year.
In order for the New Orleans Pelicans to show DeMarcus Cousins that he’s vital to their long-term success, he must be the focal point of the offense.
Different offensive schemes
The one thing that Alvin Gentry will need to be consistent with is utilizing DeMarcus Cousins’ strengths. The problem that the Sacramento Kings faced with Cousins was that they relied on his talent to win games for them, which wasn’t that many to begin with. Just because he’s on a talented team now with the Pelicans doesn’t mean he should be taken for granted.
DeMarcus Cousins is primarily an isolation post player who can stretch the floor with 3-point shooting. The issue with that is it won’t help the Pelicans in the long run, especially against teams in the Southwest Division. It’ll be at the detriment of the team and it won’t get other role players involved, which will make the offense stagnate.
Pick-and-roll
The pick-and-roll is the most used play in the NBA today, but it’s deadly depending on which team executes it. The Pelicans should be making that play their bread and butter with Anthony Davis handling the ball and DeMarcus Cousins setting the pick. Those two All-Stars executing that play will be a nightmare matchup for opposing defenses.
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The key to this play is making sure that Anthony Davis handles the ball. Last season, he shot 29 percent from the 3-point line, which makes the Brow a liability to set a screen and pop for an outside shot. DeMarcus Cousins last season shot 35 percent from downtown, so he’ll be able to hit that shot on a average basis.
Alvin Gentry must have both Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins set the pick-and-roll consistently to attract the double team. Both men should crash the glass and fight for the offensive rebound after the pick-and-roll is executed. Boogie can be the focal point of this offensive scheme if he’s the end result of that specific play.
If the opposing defenders start trapping Cousins after he sets the screen, he can make a quick pass than open 3-point shooter. Guys like Jrue Holiday, Ian Clark and Dante Cunningham will make those 3-point shots uncontested. Anthony Davis should crash the glass for the missed shots and dunk to finish those broken down plays.
Predictions
This play should be the go-to option for the Pelicans in every possession, especially in crunch time. The other players on the floor shouldn’t be standing around while the play develops, especially the role players.
Rajon Rondo and Jrue Holiday must find other ways to contribute while Davis and Cousins execute the pick-and-roll. Pin down screens for open jump shooters or cutting slashers will make life that much easier.
DeMarcus Cousins should have his assist numbers go way up this season. If Davis sits out, it’s obvious to have Cousins play isolation and post up for easier shots. Those specific plays shouldn’t be how Cousins is used for the duration of the game. Constant screens, cuts to the basket and passing to open shooters is crucial to keeping Boogie engaged in the game. It will give DeMarcus Cousins a strong idea that this team is serious about winning.
Signing big names in the offseason like Rajon Rondo and Tony Allen won’t cut it. They must convince Boogie that he’s the foundation block of the future with Anthony Davis and Jrue Holiday.
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Will DeMarcus Cousins be featured on the offensive end this year? Or will he take his talents to another team next season?