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DeMarcus Cousins could be the NBA’s next great renaissance story

By Peter O'Keefe

DENVER, CO - JANUARY 23: DeMarcus Cousins #4 of the Denver Nuggets warms up before the game against the Detroit Pistons at Ball Arena on January 23, 2022 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Mito/Clarkson Creative/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - JANUARY 23: DeMarcus Cousins #4 of the Denver Nuggets warms up before the game against the Detroit Pistons at Ball Arena on January 23, 2022 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Mito/Clarkson Creative/Getty Images) /
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DeMarcus Cousins, Denver Nuggets
DENVER, CO – JANUARY 23: DeMarcus Cousins #4 of the Denver Nuggets reacts during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Pistons at Ball Arena on January 23, 2022 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Mito/Clarkson Creative/Getty Images) /

DeMarcus Cousins’ teammates speak highly of him

Cousins’ solid series has likely solidified his place in the league, at least in the short term. You’d expect the Nuggets to look to re-sign him in free agency, with the potential of other suitors in search of a backup big. Former teammate Draymond Green expects as much after recent comments on his podcast, ‘The Draymond Green Show’.

"“For a guy who’s been through so much, for a guy who spent significant time this year not being on a roster, teams would be absolutely crazy if he’s not on a roster going into next year.  Because if you think DeMarcus Cousins can’t help your team win, he helped them win Game 4 and almost carried them to a Game 5 win.”"

So why does Cousins fit well with Denver after stints with the Golden State Warriors, LA Clippers, Houston Rockets, and MilwaukeeBucks? In large part, it’s to do with the Nuggets’ system and Cousins’ ability to fit in seamlessly.

In previous stints, teams have had to adjust to Cousins’ play style rather than the other way around. That simply won’t work for a player who’s no longer a star. But in Denver, the presence of Nikola Jokic means the Nuggets can maintain a similar system when Cousins enters the game. No one’s comparing the two, but Cousins does share the same sort of offensive skill set as Jokic: methodical post-play with the ability to pass and also step out and shoot from the perimeter.

Whether it’s with Denver or another NBA team, Cousins should get the opportunity to continue his NBA renaissance. Regardless of who you support, it’s a feel-good story for every NBA fan.

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