DeMarcus Cousins is already making a difference for the Golden State Warriors, even if he isn't fully ready to take the court. For one, he showed up in full uniform for the team's first preseason game against the Minnesota Timberwolves in front of the rabid fans at Oracle Arena. It didn't take long after that to impress teammates like Jordan Bell.

“He’s dope,” said Bell, according to Anthony Slater of The Athletic. “He’s such good energy to have. You would think he was playing with us, the way he was energized on the bench, talking, keeping a smile on everybody’s face, talking shit to the other team. It was great.”

Cousins will likely need another couple of months at the very least to make his return to the court, but he has been fully engaged with his teammates while his recovery process goes along.

“The only thing we talked about last week was that we wanted him on the bench with the guys,” said head coach Steve Kerr. “He wanted to be there. It wasn’t like we had to twist his arm or anything. We want him out there sitting next to his teammates, sitting next to coaches, communicating and seeing how it all works with us. He was really communicating with Damian quite a bit tonight. It was good to see.”

Damian Jones got the start at center on Saturday against the Wolves, but played the least minutes (12) of the three candidates for the starting center spot, as Kevon Looney and Bell got the nod for 16 minutes each.

The three will fight for the starting spot during the next four preseason games, likely getting several helpful tips from Cousins before he goes back to his rightful spot as the starting center.