2022 NBA Free Agency: 3 centers that need to be signed

2022 NBA Free Agency: 3 centers that need to be signed – DeMarcus Cousins

After starting last season at home, DeMarcus Cousins received calls from the Milwaukee Bucks and Denver Nuggets, having suited up for both teams throughout the season. Cousins showcased that he could be a solid backup in the proper role, and center-hungry teams should certainly take a closer look at him as they brace for training camp in the coming months.

Despite enduring a handful of injuries over the last few years, Cousins showed that he could still perform at a serviceable level in a backup role. During his stints in Milwaukee and Denver, he put together averages of 9.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in 15 minutes per game.

Cousins provided scoring, rebounding, and toughness whenever he was out on the floor, and he could do the same for any team that picks him up. The biggest knock on Cousins is his defense, as he has never excelled on that end of things, but he is still worth a flyer for everything else he provides. In somewhere around 10-15 minutes per game, there is certainly a role for Cousins in today’s NBA.

The big man is looking at a minimum deal if he were to be signed this late in free agency. Following a strong showing with Denver last season, it seemed likely that the Nuggets would bring Cousins back for another go-round, but that now appears unlikely after they signed DeAndre Jordan early in free agency.

If Cousins finds himself on an NBA roster ahead of next season, it will likely not be in Denver, but there should be some interested suitors out there. Once again, the Boston Celtics or Philadelphia 76ers would be two great options for the four-time All-Star, giving them a household name to shore up their center depth and giving him a shot to play legitimate minutes for a contender.