Golden State Warriors Appear Invincible With DeMarcus Cousins, That’s Because They Are
It would seem that many have declared the Golden State Warriors the 2018-19 NBA champs well before the season has started. One would think it’s a sure bet considering they have won three of the last four with a core that includes Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, and Kevin Durant. However, the addition of DeMarcus Cousins this offseason may have made next season unfair. Well, I ran across an article this week that states the Warriors are not as invincible as some may think.
In this piece, the writer would cite that Cousins may play only 50-60 games. If that’s the case, how much damage would that really be? This is a team who has managed to win 51+ games in five straight seasons with their highest being 73 in 2015. Mind you, this was done without Cousins. Being without Cousins will be a small hurdle to overcome especially after losing JaVale McGee and Zaza Pachulia in free agency, but still, not that big of a deal.
[MarkAds]In 2017, the Golden State Warriors experimented with more of a small-ball lineup with Green at the Center position. And until DeMarcus Cousins is 100%, Steve Kerr may elect to go this route again. But as the writer pointed out, there’s still an issue with or without Cousins. For one, the Warriors were bottom-half of the league when it came to hanging on to the ball. Nate would point out that Cousins averaged five turnovers per game and his carelessness will come back to haunt the Warriors. I disagree.
While Cousins did average five per game, you have to ask why? He’s a low post player who touches the ball an awful amount of times in the post. Cousins also believes he can handle the ball like Kyrie Irving. Most of his career in the NBA he’s been the main offensive option for his team. Now, you add him to a team with shooters like Thompson, Durant, and Curry, and those turnovers will turn into assists.
Another issue he brings up–touches. Can Boogie adjust to not shooting the ball 18 times as he did with the New Orleans Pelicans? Of course, he can. This is not Ty Lue coaching LeBron James and his cronies. Cousins understands that the Warriors are a well-oiled machine and his goal is to walk out a champion. Remember, HE called the Warriors. NBA players watch film and games just like we all do. Cousins understands how this team is built and who the star players are. What Cousins want is to get a ring, then get paid next season. He understands what he’s walking into.
One of the hot topics surrounding this signing was Cousins’ inability to stay out of trouble. But here’s the thing. The Warriors as a team were a walking technical foul this year. Cousins will fit right in but a closer look may reveal that Cousins was tired of losing. Name a winning team he has been on in the NBA? You can’t say the Pelicans as they didn’t make the playoffs with Cousins on the floor. All he has known is losing but now he gets a chance to redeem his career and image.
What Nathaniel mentioned was that Cousins is the reason the Golden State Warriors will not be invincible. No, he’s the reason they will be invincible. You see there is a difference. The regular season is all about the tune-up for Golden State. In the playoffs, is there really a team that can beat them over a seven-game series? Think about that for a minute. Not even Muhammad Ali went a fight without catching a few hits to the chin. The Warriors will lose a few games but when the dust settles, they will be the last ones standing. Thanks in large part to DeMarcus Cousins.
[BXReporter]
Mark has been covering Sports and Entertainment for the past six years. His work has been featured on Bleacher Report, ESPN, Fox Sports, Teen Vogue, and many other websites.
