The Golden State Warriors dynasty never seemed satisfied with its overwhelming star power. There was always a desire for more. That’s why in 2019, Bob Myers added one of the two-time champions’ elite centers, DeMarcus Cousins, to the roster. Draymond Green remembers being on vacation in Greece when he heard the news. “If you can have DeMarcus Cousins, you can have DeMarcus Cousins, damn it.” He remembers telling the former CEO that. But sometimes transitions don’t go smoothly.
That was the case with Boogie. When Cousins arrived at the Warriors, he was recovering from an ACL injury. It was known that he wouldn’t be the fierce, ruthless version of himself. Even then, he had the ability to help the team win. However, no one said the process would be easy. And Cousins soon found out.
“I would say that was a hurdle that I had to overcome. And you know, it was a lot for me, even coming back, learning the system, you know. And it’s like, in this office, people think everything is so smooth, but it takes a lot of IQ to play in this office, and your IQ never goes out.” he said on The Draymond Green Show.
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“I had some tough times, I didn’t always feel like I belonged, I didn’t have the rhythm, I was trying to find my own game within the attack. There were a lot of things against me, and on top of that, I had to trust my movements, do things that I was used to doing. But my mind was telling me: ‘Yes, you can still do it, but my body is not on the same wavelength.’” he told his former teammate.
Draymond Green didn’t have much to say. Maybe because Cousins eventually found his role. He played just 30 games that season, but he was a vital piece as a backup. His 16 points per game helped keep the Bay Area on track for a third straight title. But once again, injury derailed Cousins, sidelining him. Durant also got hurt, and the Warriors lost in the NBA Finals.
It would also be the only season for Boogie with the Dubs.
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DeMarcus Cousins is content not to return to the NBA
After his brief stint with the Golden State Warriors, DeMarcus Cousins has been bouncing around the league. He last appeared with the Denver Nuggets in the 2022 season. After that year, with his attempts to re-enter the league failing, Cousins decided to move abroad. In his historic feat, he won the Finals MVP award for the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League Finals. This seemed like the perfect stepping stone to return to the NBA. However, the 34-year-old has closed the doors on any possible return.
“I know I had my time there. You know, there was a time where I was trying to make it happen. But where I am in my life now, with everything that’s going on, just outside of basketball, I’m in a good place. So, like I said, I’m excited about what’s ahead of me and my future. he said in an interview with HoopsHype in February.
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That’s not to say he can’t, but Cousins has found solace in his 12 years in the NBA. For most of those years, he was considered a towering center with modern traits. Now, he’s found his comfort zone, playing overseas and enjoying playing at a high level again. So while fans may want him to make a comeback, Boogie simply doesn’t want him to anymore.
Would you like to see Boogie back in the league? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.