The NBA community was buzzing as LeBron James made his decision to sign with the Los Angeles Lakers. Kevin Durant as expected re-signed with the Golden State Warriors, head coach Steve Kerr received a raise and contract extension and today the back-to-back NBA champions countered the Lakers move by signing DeMarcus Cousins using the mid-level-exception. The deal is reportedly worth $5.3 million for one-year.
Cousins provides the Warriors with their fifth all-star in the lineup and their first legitimate big man since David Lee.
He also strengthens a Golden State weakness that came up during the playoffs, rebounding. Cousins for his career has averaged 11 rebounds per game. He also he shoots well from beyond arc, handles the basketball and has the ability to find open teammates. In 48 games in 2017-2018 he averaged 5.4 assists. The only question is how well he recovers from the torn achilles, yet with the talent on the roster he doesn’t necessarily need to rush back.
It also illustrates the Warriors culture created by general manager Bob Myers. Stars like Durant and Draymond Green have taken pay cuts and Klay Thompson indicated he will. Cousins certainly sacrificed salary for a chance at winning a title.
One does have to wonder if LeBron is thinking he was better signing with an eastern conference team. Cousins has stated that there weren’t any teams that came up with an offer, so he got in contact with the Warriors and got a deal done. Those fans who are upset about the signing can direct their anger elsewhere maybe with the organization that didn’t even make an attempt at an offer to Cousins.
Here’s a look at some of the reactions from around the NBA with the news of Cousins signing.
I mean, what can you even say anymore? https://t.co/HtAHyWLRzx
— nick wright (@getnickwright) July 3, 2018
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The 3rd splash Brother ???????. Let’s go @boogiecousins
— Stephen Curry (@StephenCurry30) July 3, 2018
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When asked why DeMarcus Cousins is going to Golden State, a source close to him said: “Hes about winning.”
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpearsESPN) July 3, 2018
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You can bet Draymond Green was a huge part of the DeMarcus Cousins recruitment. He’s said of Cousins in the past: “Best big man in the game. Period.” pic.twitter.com/whkERyhq0f
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) July 3, 2018
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Stephen A. Smith has come up with the best response via tweet.
Hey fans, do y’all really feel this way? pic.twitter.com/rdczR87eV1
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) July 3, 2018