NBA: 10 players looking to shed injury-prone label in 2018-19
1. DeMarcus Cousins, Golden State Warriors
No player in the NBA faces more injury-related pressure in 2018-19 than DeMarcus Cousins. Not only is he looking to re-establish his value as an impending free agent, but he’s also attempting to do so coming off the type of injury that typically ruins careers … while trying to assimilate with a dynasty that’s won three of the last four championships.
After tearing his Achilles in January, Boogie was ruled out for the rest of the 2017-18 season. He turned down the New Orleans Pelicans’ two-year, $40 million extension at that point, but in a tight market, the offers weren’t rolling in.
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It makes sense, given the discouraging nature of Achilles tears and the fact that Cousins is a seven-foot, 270-pound center who may struggle to recapture that same magic on the comeback trail. Because of this, Boogie chose to revive league-wide interest by playing for the best team in the NBA, which could either be a brilliant decision or backfire in the worst way.
If he returns around Christmas, quickly fits in and the Golden State Warriors roll to another title, he’ll get a max offer from someone. Even if he accepts a lesser role and looks like 80 percent of his former All-NBA self, he’ll set himself up nicely for a new payday.
However, if he’s unhappy with his role, if he struggles to stay healthy, if he’s nowhere near the same player or if he’s resigned to bench duty because he’s hurting the on-court chemistry of a title contender, he’ll either derail a championship season or play a minimal role in one. Either outcome would kill his value on the open market.
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It’s not just the recent injury, his upcoming free agency or the role he’ll play on one of the NBA’s most heavily scrutinized teams, however, since Boogie missed 10, 17, 23 and 11 games over the four seasons before the Achilles tear. After turning 28 in August, DeMarcus Cousins needs to shed the injury label more than anyone.