NFL
By: Mark T. Wilson
How much will it take for the Philadelphia 76ers to pry Demarcus Cousins away from the Zamboanga Valientes? This offseason, the 76ers and their fans have acknowledged their lack of size. While players in the league may fit what they’re looking for, Cousins, on the other hand, is exactly what the team needs. There are no ifs, ands, or buts about it. Pairing Cousins in the same frontcourt as Joel Embiid and Paul George would instantly make them true contenders in the Eastern Conference next season.
However, maybe Daryl Morey reached out and Cousins declined. He and Dwight Howard are having a blast overseas where they just won a championship. Maybe Cousins is sick of the NBA life like Stephon Marbury was and decided it’s better being in a foreign country playing the game you love minus all the bull**** that comes with being an NBA player.
True NBA fans remember who DeMarcus Cousins was before the injuries. He was a force to be reckoned with and was well on his way to becoming a Hall of Fame player. He was that dominant. But in 2018, it all changed for him. Even in brief appearances following the injuries, Cousins still managed to put up respectable numbers. But if that wasn’t enough to make GMs think twice, look at what he has done overseas.
For the Taiwan Beers Leopards this season, DeMarcus Cousins at 34 years old still averaged 24.1 points and 14.1 rebounds in 34.5 minutes per game. Guess it’s safe to say he’s not worried about his knees. He’s producing like the Cousins who played for the Sacramento Kings and the New Orleans Pelicans. This is the player the 76ers should make a call about. He’s needed.
I know I’ve had my time there. You know, there was a point where I was trying to make that happen. But the place I’m in my life now, just with everything I’ve got going on, just outside of basketball, like I’m in a good place. So, like I said, I’m excited for what I have ahead and my future.
It’s hard to believe that no NBA GM has reached out regarding Cousins and a roster spot. There has to be more to this story. It’s clear that he still has the desire to play basketball. And not just the desire, he’s still putting up numbers as if his injuries never happened. And yet, no one is talking about him.
He has chemistry with George dating back to their time with the Los Angeles Clippers. Money shouldn’t be an obstacle here either. As far as playing time, the man is playing enough minutes overseas proving that he can handle the load. So, what exactly are the Philadelphia 76ers doing? Why hasn’t he been flown out to Philadelphia, shown the facilities, locked in a room until a contract is signed, and placed in front of the local media?
DeMarcus Cousins wants a ring, yes an NBA ring, and the Philadelphia 76ers is his chance to claim that. Other teams could use his services but I’m talking about the 76ers now. While the plan is to probably start either Caleb Martin or George at PF, Cousins will change the dynamic and expectations of the team.
The Boston Celtics would be no match for them in the post, hell, no team would be able to contest with their defense and rebounding. Embiid crushing defenses from 15 feet and Cousins doing his work in the post. Tyrese Maxey or whoever is running point would be the league leader in assists.
This could be the swan song for DeMarcus Cousins. One year, that’s all that’s needed for the Philadelphia 76ers. And come June, they will be the last team standing.
