The Los Angeles Clippers beefed up their frontcourt earlier this week with the addition of veteran center DeMarcus Cousins. On Tuesday night, Cousins made his Clippers debut, and it drew nothing but praise from new teammates Paul George and Patrick Beverley.
Cousins, who was released by the Rockets last month, had been staying in shape prior to the 10-day deal he signed with the Clippers. He played just eight minutes in his debut, finishing with seven points, four rebounds, and two assists on 3-of-4 shooting in the win over the Blazers.
His addition, according to George, is something that can only help the locker room.
“He's an All-Star, he's still one of the most skilled bigs in the league,” Paul George said of DeMarcus Cousins. “He can finish, he rebounds, I thought you saw a little bit of everything from him tonight, and he showed he's still got a lot left to give. He can really play at a high level still, so I'm looking forward to it. Looking forward to him getting into a groove, him seeing the floor and just being a great teammate for us.”
George and Cousins not only had their battles over the years, but they were also teammates on Team USA's Olympic team in 2016 that won gold.
“He's funny, man,” George said about Cousins with a smile. ” A lot of people that don't know him, he's funny. I thought he made the experience fun. He definitely made it light and loose, he kept everyone laughing, and then, honestly, he's just a fun dude to be around. His personality is big, so I'm looking forward to that, I'm looking forward to that, just having another great personnel in our locker room, another character in our locker room, he's a good person, a genuine person, but I think that's what we enjoyed most in that 2016 run in Brazil, was just how lighthearted and light he kept everything on that gold medal run.”
Patrick Beverley returned to the lineup following a 12-game absence due to knee soreness. His return meant the Clippers got their vocal and defensive leader back in the starting lineup.
Beverley also believes DeMarcus Cousins can have a positive impact on the Clippers moving forward.
“Boogie, I think he brings — you know Serge has been out with the back injury, obviously — he brings toughness, big body, rebounding, can help Zu through the practices, tough mindset, winning mentality.”
"Boogie, he brings toughness, big body, rebounding, can help Zu through practices. Tough mindset, winning mentality.
"Rondo, a proven winner, he's definitely helped me a lot, showing me things from a natural point guard that I might not have seen."
– Patrick Beverley pic.twitter.com/hwRTUhAAYQ
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) April 7, 2021
DeMarcus Cousins' next opportunity to showcase his talent and health will be Thursday night when the Clippers take on Devin Booker, Chris Paul, Deandre Ayton, and the Phoenix Suns. For as long as Serge Ibaka remains out, and it's expected to be a while longer, Cousins should have a role with this team.
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