The pros and cons of DeMarcus Cousins joining the Golden State Warriors

Pro: Chance to rehabilitate his image

Cousins is one of the most controversial and opinionated players in the NBA. Although his tenure with the New Orleans Pelicans was somewhat quiet, he has earned a reputation across the league as being a troublemaker.

The first seven years of his career with the Sacramento Kings were filled with tirades and suspensions. After an argument with then-head coach Keith Smart in 2012, management decided to suspend him indefinitely. He was also hit with a one-game suspension that same year for punching O.J. Mayo in the groin.

In the 2014-15 season against the Boston Celtics, Boogie got into an altercation with Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart. While battling for position, he got frustrated and slung Smart hard onto the floor. Consequently, he was ejected from the game.

Throughout his nine-year career, Cousins has amassed a staggering $1.1 million in fines. That total is over 20 percent of his salary next season with the Warriors.

He somewhat rehabilitated his image in his 15 months with New Orleans. Though he still received $64,000 in fines for technical fouls, and a couple of incidents of inappropriate language, some of those occurrences could be attributed to his prior reputation. Unlike in Sacramento, he didn’t have any issues with Pelicans head coach Alvin Gentry or his teammates.

Joining Golden State gives Boogie the opportunity to rehabilitate his image. The Dubs are a tight-knit group, and his past antics won’t be tolerated by Steve Kerr, or players like Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. Once he comes back from injury, if Cousins can have a productive season without the drama, it could show other franchises that he has matured.