2019 NBA free agency: 5 most underrated signings

2. Los Angeles Lakers and Boogie agree to one-year deal

A few weeks ago, we outlined a few potential free agency targets for the Los Angeles Lakers. Coincidentally, DeMarcus Cousins was at the top of that list.

From a negative standpoint, DMC only appeared in 30 games for the Golden State Warriors this season due to rehabbing a torn Achilles injury he suffered in 2017-18, when he was a member of the New Orleans Pelicans. Additionally, Cousins sustained a quad injury during the postseason that was supposed to end his season, but he managed to return to the rotation in time for the NBA Finals.

Due to the recent rash of injuries, Cousins’ stock wasn’t exactly through the roof. On the plus side though, he did average 16.3 points, 8.2 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game while shooting 48 percent from the floor in those 30 appearances.

Secondly, before tearing his Achilles, Cousins posted averages of at least 22 points and 10.5 rebounds the last five seasons, including 2017-18, when he averaged 25.2 points and 12.9 rebounds per outing in 48 appearances for New Orleans.

Furthermore, Cousins shot better than 35 percent from 3-point range in 2016-17 and 2017-18, which essentially means the guy is a matchup nightmare for opposing teams. While the Lakers weren’t able to land Kawhi Leonard, the fact they were able to come to terms on a one-year deal at $3.5 million for Cousins is a win-win for both sides.