Golden State Warriors: DeMarcus Cousins and the hard-hitting message

DeMarcus Cousins will make his Golden State Warriors debut as soon as Jan. 18. Here’s how this affects the Dubs’ lineup, chemistry…and opponents.

The league’s scariest squad is set to become even more frightening.

Despite some adversity, the Golden State Warriors are just one game back from the Western Conference’s peak. And now they’ll have DeMarcus Cousins on the floor, perhaps as early as Jan. 18.

Cousins will serve as another assassin for the Dubs, filling what’s historically been their weakest position. Boogie’s numbers with the New Orleans Pelicans (25.2 points, 12.9 rebounds and 5.4 assists per game) spoke volumes last year, especially when pitted against the horrified silence of opposing fans after he inked with the Warriors.

When healthy, Cousins is potentially Golden State’s third-best player. The big man has size, shooting touch, passing skills and basketball IQ. Combining him with Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant is almost comedic.

The story of the NBA’s offseason involved LeBron James going to the Los Angeles Lakers. Cousins’ signing, although not as significant, deflated what would have been a perpetual purple and gold fanfare, lasting clear until the season’s opening night.

The message was clear and hard-knocking: Golden State is still the biggest, baddest bully in the West.

A sequel message came this past week. In no uncertain terms, Golden State shouted from the rooftops that Cousins’ return is near, and there will be no bench role.

Consider this the Dubs’ call of checkmate.

Offensively, there will be an adjustment period. Stephen Curry says as much, per The Mercury News‘ Mark Medina.

"“We understand there’s going to be an adjustment for everybody,” Curry said. “And, hopefully, it will give us another type of challenge in terms of really being disciplined and diligent on how we perform as a team with DeMarcus in the rotation and take us to new heights.”"

But there is so much to like about this lineup.

On the attacking end, Cousins gives the Dubs more options. During certain sequences, he’ll create space for Curry, Durant and company. Other plays, he’ll isolate against single-man coverage in the post. Most NBA defenders struggle guarding him one-on-one near the hoop.

Cousins also has the ability to step out and hit the 3, a staple of Golden State’s offense. He averaged 2.2 made 3-pointers on 35.4 percent shooting last year. His 5.4 assists per game highlight an underrated passing ability.

Defensively, Cousins will serve as a strong shot-blocking presence. He averaged 1.6 blocks in 2017-18, proving his toughness around the rim. This allows Curry, Thompson and others to take chances defensively, knowing Cousins is backing them.

Pay attention to Curry’s last words in his earlier quote: “new heights.” The Dubs have won three championships in four years, but can fly to “new heights” with Cousins. Actually, they may need to.

The Western Conference has long been the tougher of the two conferences. The Houston Rockets took the Warriors to seven games in last year’s conference finals. Now they only have the seventh-best record in the West.

Meanwhile, several other squads bask in surprising success. The Denver Nuggets appeared seemingly out of the thin Mile High air, emerging as conference leaders. The Los Angeles Clippers also floated towards the top, riding a fresh wave of revitalizing youth. Behind excellent chemistry, Russell Westbrook and Paul George pushed the Oklahoma City Thunder into a top-three position.

Although the West grew tougher, so did the Warriors. Now complete with DeMarcus Cousins, Golden State is geared to push strong towards a three-peat.

The next time they put the league on notice may during the Larry O’Brien trophy presentation.