DeMarcus Cousins is still recovering from a torn left Achilles he suffered in January, but the All-Star center, who becomes an unrestricted free agent on July 1, has been documenting certain aspects of his rehabilitation process on social media and appears to be fully embracing the challenge, reports William Guillory of The Times-Picayune.
According to Pelicans’ general manager Dell Demps, Cousins has been working out in Las Vegas and hasn’t experienced any setbacks during his recovery, with the big man’s desire to get back on the court as strong as ever.
“He’s right on schedule. He’s right where he’s supposed to be (and) he’s committed to getting back and ready to play.”
That being said, it remains to be seen whether the Pelicans will be able and/or willing to sign Cousins to a new contract this summer, with the Mavericks being one of many teams who will likely have interest in Cousins’ services going forward.
As Guillory notes, New Orleans was once poised to offer Cousins a five-year maximum-salary contract this summer. However, a story from ESPN’s Zach Lowe in April reported that the Pelicans were now considering the idea of offering Cousins a shorter deal at less than the max because of the uncertain future that often accompanies an Achilles injury.
Despite that report, Demps continues to reiterate that the team wants Cousins back in New Orleans, telling reporters that Cousins has been a big part of the Pelicans’ success and that he hopes the team is able to being Cousins back next season.
There’s more from New Orleans:
- In the same article, Guillory also touches upon the upcoming free agency of point guard Rajon Rondo, who like Cousins, will become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. The Pelicans are planning to enter into negotiations on a new deal with Rondo, per Demps, who notes that “in a perfect world,” both Cousins and Rondo would be back in New Orleans next season.
- With their only selection in the 2018 NBA Draft, the Pelicans selected Penn State guard Tony Carr with the No. 51 overall pick. Carr, 20, averaged 19.6 points and five assists per game for the Nittany Lions last season, but his role for New Orleans next season is still up in the air. Per Jim Eichenhofer of Pelicans.com, Demps has already expressed that Carr will need to compete for a roster spot as a rookie
- In another story for The Times-Picayune, Guillory writes that the Pelicans are emphasizing stability with their coaching staff this offseason, with the front office recently denying a request from Toronto to hire away assistant coach Chris Finch.
- Per Jake Fischer of Sports Illustrated, the Pelicans’ front office scouting department has been retained with two-year extensions.
The Sixers should gamble on Cousins, I don’t care that he is a bit inconsistent or has some attitude!
I will take him and that is over everyone else out there.
That seems extreme
Why?
You would take an injured Cousins over PG and LeBron?
A recovering Counsins and yes I would because I don’t think James or Paul are coming to Philly
Plus, if the Sixers were a bit more focused they could have had J Murray and D Smith in their backcourt, I would have loved to seen that happen.
Sixers did sign DeMarcus Cousins after an Achillies injury. But back then his name was Elton Brand…. Both players blew out their Achillies 8 years into the league, Brand never returned to form.
Weak argument, although convenient for you. Did each rehab the same? What advancements in medicine, and were injuries the same severity? Weak argument you make. But oh how it was convenient.
Cousins will be a Pelican. He’ll average 23 ppg 11 rpg and 3 apg next season. I think they’ll beat the Warriors in the WCF next season.
Are you serious? I’m not sure considering your other comments on here.
Yea man I think Davis and Boogie are due to for something special next season. The Warriors can’t match those 2 down low.
But they do have four all stars, including a DPOY level player in Draymond Green to guard one of them. No way the Pelicans won that series. At most they would get a game or two.
Green is going to guard Davis or Cousins? You are out of your mind kid, they would drop 30-50 points on him easily. The Warriors will be eliminated before the Finals next season.
30-50 lol wiiiiide variance kid
boogie will struggle with P&R defense and guarding one on one on the perimeter. Warriors will run the f out of the pels with AD and boogie on the court.
Ok we’ll see next season. They were supposed to lose to the Pelicans this season but the Warriors just keep getting lucky with other star players getting hurt. Kawhi in 2017,Cousins this past semis, and Paul the last 2 games of the WCF.
You’re forgetting that Jrue holiday played out of his mind and that’s how they got past Portland.
New Orleans is working their way up the ladder in the Western Conference. Last year was a fantastic accomplishment getting to the second round. Nicely done. But no way in the same league as the Warriors Rockets.
Like I said we will see, Davis is coming for the crown next season and will do it beating the Warriors.
The Pelicans will not beat the Warriors next year as long as the Warriors have their big four and a solid bench……..barring any major injuries……..and even if Paul had played all of the playoff games……I seriously doubt that the Rockets would have prevailed……The Warriors were missing Igudola also…..who definitely could have added more defense against Paul and Harden……
I agree with Dionis, SMH!!! But is no way that GSW can match against AD & DMC. Also why does everybody keep saying about Iggy missing games for the Warriors, you CANNOT compare him to CP3 in any world. Is more like they lost Curry or KD, that would be more comparable.
Without Iggy the Warriors win zero titles. He’s that important.
If push comes to shove, keeping Rondo is more important than keeping Cousins imo. Rondo really helped keep the Pelicans together and was a key leader for them. Having him run the offense was a huge key for Holiday turning into a near-lockdown defender during the playoffs. I didn’t think the Rondo-Holiday experiment would work but it might’ve been the biggest catalyst for their success last year.
The Pelicans need an answer at the 3. PG would be ideal. But, that’s not gonna happen. Instead of signing Cousins. I’d prefer if they’d use that money to sign Hood. He’s 6’8 and a lights out shooter from 3. Then, they’d have the money to get 2 of Lopez, Howard, or Monroe. I’d rather 3 of those guys than Cousins and Dante Cunningham. Just saying.