Golden State Warriors: 3 big questions heading into 2018-19 NBA season

2. How will Cousins fit Golden State’s scheme?

The most talked-about question surrounding DeMarcus Cousins will be his health. If he is 95 percent of the player he was before tearing his Achilles, the Warriors will start five all-NBA-level guys. If he is a shell of his former self, he is likely to be more of an 18-minutes-a-night role player than a centerpiece.

There are two reasons why this is not the most important regular season Boogie question, though. The first is that we may not know how healthy he is until the playoffs. If Cousins comes back in late February, he may not return to form until May.

The second is that even a healthy Cousins will not move the needle for this team if he does not fit the system. There is too much benefit to be gained by playing Draymond Green at center and too much synergy with a low-usage defender like Jordan Bell or Kevon Looney at the 5 to trot Cousins out there based purely on his talent.

He still might be capable of putting up 25 points, 12 rebounds and five assists, but only the rebounds really matter for a team loaded with more efficient scorers and less turnover-prone playmakers.

That’s why it comes down to fit. If Boogie can accept being a high-post surveyor and facilitator, opting only to put it on the floor or shoot over the top when completely disrespected by the defense, he’ll function in that role better than Andrew Bogut ever dreamed of. If he is willing to space the floor without touching the ball, run back on defense and simply try to stay in position, he will be a far more talented version of Zaza Pachulia or JaVale McGee.

If he still tries to play like a high-usage superstar (even if he is still good enough to be that type of guy), he will hurt the team more than he helps it

Even a physically limited Boogie has the skill-set to be the perfect Warriors center. The question is, does he have the mindset?