The NBA Finals has concluded and the Toronto Raptors are the newest NBA champions. But it's too bad it had to come at the detriment of the Golden State Warriors overall health.
Kevin Durant ruptured his Achilles in Game 5 and Klay Thompson went down with an ACL injury in Game 6-on top of an already lingering hamstring injury. Steph Curry has been playing with a dislocated left ring finger and DeMarcus Cousins still wasn't healthy despite rushing to come back for the Finals. Cousins injured his quad in Game 2 of the first round against the Los Angeles Clippers and weren't likely to return for the playoffs.
While free agency questions linger about Durant and Thompson, the Warriors should key in on the latter.
But that's only if Cousins wants to return (he should). Cousins will only be able to sign a deal with the Warriors for about $6.4 million. That's not a lot for a player with the pedigree that Cousins has, but it's what the Warriors can afford at this point. And it's also convenient for a player of Cousins stature who has endured two major injuries within the last 18 months.
NBA teams will more than likely still take a shot at Cousins and he deserves the red carpet treatment. However, with the Warriors without Durant next season, and possibly Thompson for the bulk of it, Cousins should think twice before searching for a bigger bag.
In the NBA Finals, Cousins should get an A for effort but a C for overall productivity. Fans have commended Cousins for his effort, especially since he was hurt, but he still was inconsistent on both ends of the floor. He especially became a liability in Toronto's dangerous pick-and-roll action as the series progressed.
In fairness to Cousins, this was his first highly competitive action he has played in since perhaps the 2010 NCAA Tournament when he was a Kentucky Wildcat. Cousins never reached the NBA playoffs during his time with the Sacramento Kings and New Orleans Pelicans. To insert a player with no such experience into the NBA Finals was a risky move by Warriors head coach Steve Kerr. Nevertheless, Cousins play would help the Warriors stay in the series.
Team's such as the Brooklyn Nets, New York Knicks and Los Angeles Clippers will be looking for players to fill their two max-deal slots. But the Warriors are the only team that can provide Cousins actual stability. Their culture is so strong that it forced a hobbled Cousins to be somewhat of a factor in the Finals. Just envision Cousins next season at full strength as the Warriors rebrand.
Another reason to stay: he still has one of the games best players in Steph Curry. He also has the best coach in Kerr, the unique Draymond Green and the best offensive system. Boogie currently has that working for him, and a front office who believes in him. Could the Nets, Knicks, and Clippers provide that with a max contract? While the allure of the bright lights will be enticing, not a chance. They may provide more cash than the Warriors can give at the moment. But an environment that powerful? Someone of Boogie's caliber thrives in nurture, not red carpet treatment.
With Durant and Thompson out until further notice, Cousins should seriously consider re-signing with the Warriors. The Nets, Knicks, and Clippers will offer more money, but the Warriors will grant Cousins the stability he needs. The Warriors edition of Cousins has appeared more humble, grown up. It could be because of the star power presented. It could also be due to the Warriors selfless culture, or a combination of both. Either way, Cousins has the chance to continue to return to basketball highest stage if he were to re-sign with Golden State.
Cousins can also play the waiting game, as Durant and Thompson may elect out of Golden State. This, of course, would grant the Warriors plenty of space to give Cousins the dollars he wants. But this is probably an avenue, as noted here, that Kerr doesn't want to cross.
But whether a max deal or a $6.4 million bargain, the Warriors provide Cousins the best chance to compete. Cousins stated that he would be at NBA players necks next season while he gets healthy. With he, Curry and Green still standing, wouldn't the Warriors be the best place to display his dominance again? If logic has its way, yes.
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