Apparently, Golden State Warriors center DeMarcus Cousins has the last laugh with the New Orleans Pelicans.
Yahoo! Sports Senior NBA Insider Chris Haynes sat down for a chat with Cousins on his “Posted Up” podcast Wednesday. They discussed Cousins getting back in tip-top shape, his relationship with the fans, defense, winning an NBA championship, and Anthony Davis wanting out of New Orleans, among other things.
Toward the end of the discussion, Haynes asked Cousins about his sentiments on former Pelicans general manager Dell Demps, who the Pelicans fired on February 16. For his part, Cousins initially couldn't say anything outright, as he just chuckled and shook his head in amusement.
“Nah, I don't know. Buddy had a master plan. You know?” Cousins said after a few moments. “I wish him (Demps) the best.”
🚨NEW POSTED UP POD🚨
Sat down w/ @boogiecousins to talk working way back to form, fan interactions, pending free-agency, narrative on his defense, real NBA tough guys, when he knew AD wanted out, winning a title, his comedy show & plenty more…
🎧: https://t.co/tU1mJJGtAt pic.twitter.com/CAA8L0aYne
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) March 27, 2019
Demps acquired DeMarcus Cousins and forward Omri Casspi in a massive five-player trade with the Sacramento Kings in 2017. In exchange, the Kings got Buddy Hield, Tyreke Evans, Langston Galloway and a pair of draft picks that year.
The trade didn't work out quite as well as the Pelicans had hoped. While Cousins and Anthony Davis formed an intimidating frontcourt duo for New Orleans, it didn't last long. Cousins suffered a season-ending Achilles injury against the Houston Rockets on January 26, 2018.
Cousins didn't receive any outstanding offers from other teams as the free agency period kicked off last year. He opted to sign a one-year deal with the Golden State Warriors for $5.3 million in the offseason. Casspi, the other player whom the Pelicans acquired, bounced around with three other teams before the Memphis Grizzlies waived him on February this year.
As a result, the Pelicans got nothing out of their trade with the Kings. On the other hand, Sacramento has shown some improvement (a 37-37 win-loss record through Wednesday) with Hield's 20.8 points per game leading the way.
The draft picks they acquired from the Pelicans were Justin Jackson and Harry Giles III, two valuable contributors off the bench.
In 23 games for the Warriors this season, Cousins has been averaging 15.9 points, 7.9 rebounds and 3.6 assists. Golden State's 50-23 record through Wednesday is good enough for first in the Western Conference.
With that in mind, fans expect Cousins to play an integral role in the Warriors' title defense during the playoffs. Earning his first championship ring is certainly not a far-fetched possibility.
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