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

Pro: Filling the need at center

The Golden State Warriors have been on a historic run the past four seasons. They won their first title in 2015 with elite players at both guard positions (Curry and Klay Thompson) and power forward (Green). After losing the 2016 NBA Finals to LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers, they went after and signed All-NBA small forward Kevin Durant in free agency.

The one weakness on the roster throughout has been at the center position. Over the past few years, the Warriors have cycled through several players at center. Andrew Bogut, Jordan Bell, JaVale McGee, and Zaza Pachulia were on the floor for defensive purposes. Golden State hasn’t had a viable option at the 5-spot offensively.

Enter DeMarcus Cousins, who is the most dominant center in the NBA. Although a liability defensively, he overcomes that weakness with superior offensive production. He thrives with the ball in his hands, and is an efficient passer and playmaker.

For this new relationship to be successful, both Steve Kerr and his new center have to be willing to sacrifice. Kerr prefers fast pace, and Boogie prefers to play slow. However, one aspect of the game they’ll have in common is post-play.

Last season, Cousins averaged 7.5 postups per game, which ranked seventh in the league. The Warriors ranked third in the NBA with 16.7 postups.

Cousins has consistently been double-teamed throughout his career. As the focal point of the offense in Sacramento, opposing defenses could double him in the post and force him to give up the ball. Surrounded by extraordinary shooters in Durant, Curry, and Thompson, who force teams to defend the perimeter, Cousins is unlikely to face double-teams down low. If he does, the kickouts for open 3s will be all too easy.