While almost everyone was surprised at the DeMarcus Cousins-Golden State Warriors deal, a quick look at the past reveal that the team, or perhaps one of its top players, was already keeping a close eye on the big man.

Anthony Slater of The Athletic uploaded a clip from the past where Draymond Green was sending out praises to Cousins, calling him the best big man in the NBA.

He said, in part:

“I think DeMarcus is the best center in the game. A lot of times people don't give him that credit. And a part of it is they try to downplay his status because of his reputation, of you know, getting technical fouls, things like that. He is the best big man in the game right now.”

Green added that he enjoys playing against or with Cousins. The two were teammates back in the 2016 Olympics where they won the gold:

“It's always interesting to watch, interesting to play against, interesting to play with. He's so incredibly talented. He's skilled. He can shoot the three now.”

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Below is the full clip:

Cousins, who is set to return from injury by December or January, will join Green and the rest of the Warriors, and will most likely be the team's starting center.

Given that he has a midrange and 3-point shot in his arsenal, it's easy to imagine the Warriors running plays for him as a traditional center or a modern day stretch big.

The deal is already sending waves all over the league. Let's see how other teams adjust.