2019 NBA free agency: 5 potential landing spots for DeMarcus Cousins

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(Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images) /

2. San Antonio Spurs

Despite a return to the court, Cousins is still in the midst of fully working his way back from two major injuries. To secure as much money as possible on his next deal will require a relatively clean bill of health this coming season, placing even more importance on which team will serve as his righthand man through that challenge.

Kawhi Leonard may have his own separate feelings on the matter, but the San Antonio Spurs are widely regarded as having one of the best medical staffs in the league. It’s why the Big 3 of Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker managed to play at a high level far past their respective primes.

Gregg Popovich may be one of the greatest basketball minds of all-time, but he’s also one of the biggest supporters — and arguably originators — of resting players throughout the course of the year. He along with the training/medical staff are sure to map out an ideal plan that maximizes Boogie’s talents without placing too much stress on his fragile body.

Despite the 3-point downsized revolution that’s spread itself across the NBA, the Spurs refuse to join along. They may have ranked first in 3-point percentage last season, but they also placed dead-last in attempts per game. LaMarcus Aldridge played 95.0 percent of his minutes at the center position, but Pop still prefers a traditional lineup with two big men, even if it sacrifices spacing.

San Antonio led the league in post-ups per game with 13.2 and ranked fourth in terms of points per possession in such situation. It’s no secret Cousins is one of the most intimidating inside forces in the game today, using his brute force to simply overpower the opposition.

In linking up with the Spurs, DeMarcus would be putting his short-term future into the hands of some of the best at what they do. He won’t be asked to do too much but will also be given ample opportunities in the minutes supplied. San Antonio has been the location for a number of reborn careers. At this stage, it may be time for Cousins to add himself to that list.