DeMarcus Cousins has been making waves as he shares his opinions about current NBA teams and the promising players within the league. Recently appearing on the "Run It Back" show, Cousins discussed his insights on teams like the Charlotte Hornets and the Oklahoma City Thunder, highlighting what they need to succeed.
When discussing the Charlotte Hornets, who are rebuilding around their young talents—LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, and Mark Williams—Cousins was candid about their situation. "This is the situation for the Hornets, obviously nobody is expecting them to be this championship caliber team, they are a young developing team going through a rebuilding mode, this is part of it," Cousins said, emphasizing the challenge of developing such a young team.
Cousins has expressed admiration for the potential within this group but insists they require veteran leadership to guide their growth. Referring to the need for experienced players, he mentioned Taj Gibson, indicating he recognizes Gibson's contributions but believes the team requires more impactful veterans to rise to competitive heights. "Clear as day, the Hornets need veteran talent," he stated. He considers Zion Williamson as the ideal candidate who could complement LaMelo Ball effectively. Cousins explained, "[Williamson is] under the Jordan brand, he fits Jordan, he’s close to home, everything aligns with [that]. You put those two guys together Zion and LaMelo, you have a really good team." This potential combo could be what the Hornets need to turn their fortunes around.
While the Hornets may be figuring out their path forward, the Oklahoma City Thunder, according to Cousins, are poised on the brink of greatness. He claimed, "I think this is the next team to start a dynasty and the reason I say this is because they have so many assets for years to come on top of the talent they already currently have," pointing to their impressive draft capital, including 31 picks across the next seven drafts.
The Thunder's current roster includes superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who has been having a stellar season. Cousins is optimistic about Gilgeous-Alexander's future, forecasting he could lead the team to multiple championships: “Honestly, I could see Shai getting about 3 rings, 3 to 4.” With the team sitting at the top of the Western Conference with a 47-11 record, the Thunder's prospects for success this postseason appear strong, and Cousins believes they are constructed for sustained success.
The Thunder's impressive ascent, alongside improved defensive metrics and overall performance, positions them as serious contenders. They’ve gone from having the fourth-best defensive rating last season at 112.1 to leading the league with 106.0 this year. This marks them as one of the top teams historically speaking when comparing net ratings, which can often indicate future playoff success. The Thunder are set for potential playoff dominance, and much of this is attributed to their core talent combined with strategic assets.
With this kind of analysis, DeMarcus Cousins establishes himself as not just another retired player but as someone providing valuable insights about the game's future. His comments not only illuminate the paths teams like the Hornets and the Thunder are likely to take but also include broader observations about the players who could shape the league moving forward. The NBA community should heed Cousins’ assessments, as they are grounded in experience and respect for the game.
Overall, as teams assess their direction with the trade deadlines and offseason plans approaching, the thoughts from Cousins may prove pivotal as they navigate their immediate futures and long-term strategies.