DeMarcus Cousins was one of the best centers in the NBA in his prime. While a member of the Sacramento Kings, Boogie had some of the best seasons of his career and established himself as a future star in the NBA. He made good progress when he formed a dangerous twin-tower lineup with Anthony Davis on the New Orleans Pelicans, but injuries would derail Cousins’ career.
He started taking veteran minimums around the league from 2018-19 onwards, as he joined the Golden State Warriors in a move that stunned many as a blatant ring-hunting move. The Warriors failed to win a title, but Cousins found another contract on the Lakers. He was waived through the season due to the emergence of JaVale McGee and Dwight Howard over him.
Since then, Boogie has played for the Clippers, Rockets, Bucks, and most recently, the Denver Nuggets. However, Cousins is still without a contract for next season. His backup play in Denver proved he has a place in the league and is in shape, so fans are debating where the former All-Star ends up.
Boogie in 11 seasons:
— 20/10
— 4x All-Star
— 2x All-NBA
— Three 25/10 seasons
Who’s gonna sign him? pic.twitter.com/1HekjoXf4Q
— StatMuse (@statmuse) September 19, 2022
Prime boogie was the best center in the league for a hot minute. Those injuries rly did him dirty, someone better sign him. I’m talking to you @MiamiHEAT
— Dami (@KingDami5299) September 19, 2022
The Clippers might need him at some point. They might win it all.
— NaijaInNBA (@BuckWilding77) September 19, 2022
Hopefully The KINCKS !!!!! Off the bench. At least 20
And 10. That would be great !!! pic.twitter.com/r9nWg0ZFLe
— Bernard Carmichael (@BernardCarmich3) September 19, 2022
He played well for da nuggets backing up jokic last season
— diabetic (@Diabetic7777) September 19, 2022
https://twitter.com/RATIODBYYB38/status/1571923610062946304
They’re gonna be so big down the middle
— 🂡 (@SugoVino) September 19, 2022
Lakers or Bulls pic.twitter.com/e0uAUhoBfA
— 🇸🇴🐍🗡️ (@aykeepitabuck) September 19, 2022
I'm surprised the nuggets haven't resigned him. He's still good enough to be a backup C and he was good last year in that role back with Malone
— John (@johnte232) September 19, 2022
https://twitter.com/DanielA93676249/status/1571933123386155009
I want him on the raps
— Kody Day (@Kodz_88) September 19, 2022
The Nets should get him on a year minimum, 15 to 18 minutes a game
— Deus ë Smoke (@JojSmoke3) September 19, 2022
Which Team Will DeMarcus Cousins End Up On?
Boogie was a good backup big for the Nuggets last season, especially during the playoffs. Though he just averaged 11 minutes a game, Boogie was putting up 10 points a game on great efficiency. He definitely has a place in the league for a team that’s looking for a backup big.
The Brooklyn Nets seem to be the most natural fit. While they do have young players on the roster that they could use in that spot, Cousins would give them a veteran inside presence that can produce offensively. Nicholas Claxton is a good defensive center, so the Nets could use lineups that alternate their strengths. However, it looks like Brooklyn may be better off with a defensive center given the offensive potency of their lineup.
Outside the Nets, the Clippers could use a backup to Ivica Zubac after losing Isaiah Hartenstein to the New York Knicks. The Miami Heat are going to be relying on Omer Yurtseven to be Bam Adebayo’s backup, which is completely okay. They could still add someone like Boogie to help with their offense, especially off the bench. There are options for one of the best centers of the 2010s, just a question of who makes the offer first.
