Instant reactions to the Milwaukee Bucks signing DeMarcus Cousins
“A GREAT MOVE FOR FOR THE BUCKS, BRINGING IN A GREAT PLAYER WHO CAN HAVE AN IMPACT IN THE PAINT, AND ALSO HIT THE 3POINT SHOT CONSISTENTLY.”
As reported by The Athletic’s Shams Charania, the Bucks are signing big man DeMarcus Cousins to a one-year non-guaranteed deal. It seems safe to say that this move is surprising, but it makes sense. Of course, the Buck have been without starting center Brook Lopez for all but one game to start the season as he continues dealing with lingering back soreness. With Lopez not returning to the lineup anytime soon it seems, bringing in another center was a great idea. In fact, Cousins is a name that many Bucks fans wanted to see the team make a run at, which is what they have just done with their final roster spot.
How will DeMarcus Cousins fit in with the defending champion Milwaukee Bucks after signing a non-guaranteed deal? “GREAT”
Obviously, Cousins will give the Bucks another big body in the frontcourt, which is something they have lacked in Lopez’s absence. Bobby Portis has done a fantastic job since taking Lopez’s place in the starting five, but the bench is incredibly thin. This has forced Giannis Antetokounmpo to play a career-high 62 percent of his minutes at center this season, which is not something that the team would like to continue throughout the entire season. Cousins will come in and give the Bucks a big body to give them solid minutes in the frontcourt and alleviate that constant pressure off of the Greek Freak.
Cousins might not be the four-time All-Star and two-time All-NBA honoree player that he once was as injuries have plagued him over the past few years, but he will be a solid addition to bring aboard some much-needed depth. Out of all the centers now available on the free agent market, Cousins was certainly the most notable, and the Bucks made the right choice bringing him in. The sweetener in this is that it comes on a non-guaranteed contract, so there is little to no risk for the team. The move has high potential written all over it, and Cousins should be motivated to prove that he can still play at a high level after going unsigned this past offseason.
DeMarcus Cousins
Cousins with the Golden State Warriors in 2019
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Milwaukee Bucks | |
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Position | Center |
League | NBA |
Personal information | |
Born | August 13, 1990 Mobile, Alabama |
Nationality | American |
Listed height | 6 ft 10 in (2.08 m) |
Listed weight | 270 lb (122 kg) |
Career information | |
High school | John L. LeFlore (Mobile, Alabama) |
College | Kentucky (2009–2010) |
NBA draft | 2010 / Round: 1 / Pick: 5th overall |
Selected by the Sacramento Kings | |
Playing career | 2010–present |
Career history | |
2010–2017 | Sacramento Kings |
2017–2018 | New Orleans Pelicans |
2018–2019 | Golden State Warriors |
2020–2021 | Houston Rockets |
2021 | Los Angeles Clippers |
2021–present | Milwaukee Bucks |
Career highlights and awards | |
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Stats at NBA.com | |
Stats at Basketball-Reference.com | |
Medals
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DeMarcus Amir Cousins (born August 13, 1990) is an American professional basketball player for the Milwaukee Bucks of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Nicknamed “Boogie”, he played college basketball for the Kentucky Wildcats, where he was an All-American in 2010. He left Kentucky after one season, and was selected with the fifth overall pick in the 2010 NBA draft by the Sacramento Kings. In his first season with the Kings, Cousins was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team, and from 2015 to 2018, he was named an NBA All-Star. He is also a two-time gold medal winner as a member of the United States national team, winning his first in 2014 at the FIBA Basketball World Cup and his second in 2016 at the Rio Olympics.
High school career
Cousins attended LeFlore Magnet High School. He was a first-team Parade All-American in 2009 and played in the 2009 McDonald’s All-American Boys Game, finishing with 14 points and 8 rebounds. Cousins also played in the 2009 Nike Hoop Summit at the Rose Garden in Portland and the Jordan Brand Classic at Madison Square Garden where he scored 10 points for the black team. He led LeFlore to the Alabama class 6A Final Four against Hillcrest that beat Austin High School to progress to the state championship; falling short to future college teammate Eric Bledsoe and Parker High School.
College career
Cousins first committed to Alabama-Birmingham on February 28, 2008, but never signed a letter of intent. Cousins decommitted from UAB and committed to Memphis on March 9, 2009. He reopened his recruitment after then Memphis coach John Calipari was hired at Kentucky. On April 7, 2009, Cousins decided to follow John Calipari to Kentucky. He signed his letter of intent on April 15. At Kentucky, Cousins averaged 15.1 points, 9.8 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game. Led by Cousins and John Wall, the Wildcats reached the Elite Eight of the 2010 NCAA Tournament.