With seven weeks to go before the playoffs, everything isn’t as smooth for the Warriors as their 42-17 record might indicate. Of particular concern is center DeMarcus Cousins, who told Nick Friedell of ESPN that he is frustrated over his current condition as he tries to shake off the effects of last year’s Achilles tendon tear.
“Obviously, I’m in like a gray area when it comes to that, trying to get back to being myself and also knowing guys are coming at me,” Cousins said after Saturday’s loss to the Rockets. “Nobody in this league is going to feel sorry for me and I know that, so I’m going to go out and battle as much as I can and do what I can. But it still is a process for me; it’s no excuse.”
The Warriors knew Cousins wouldn’t be able to contribute right away when they used their $5.3MM mid-level exception to sign him last summer. Their starting lineup with five All-Stars didn’t fully take shape until Cousins was cleared to play in mid-January, and it hasn’t worked out as planned. Even though the Warriors have been winning, Friedell notes that they have been outscored when the starters are on the court together.
Cousins has averaged 14.1 points and 7.6 rebounds in 13 games since returning, but those numbers have fallen to 9.8 and 7.4 in his last four games. He had a minutes restriction lifted after the All-Star break, but is still struggling to find his rhythm.
“Sure, he’s frustrated,” coach Steve Kerr said. “Think about what DeMarcus has been through with the yearlong injury and the frustrating free agency. So, it’s not an easy thing, a very difficult injury to come back from. After the first couple weeks, the excitement, the adrenaline, the wear and tear begins, and that’s where you really got to be able to rely on execution. So, we’ll work with him. He can do better; he knows that.”
Cousins acknowledges that he is being attacked on defense, especially on the pick and roll. He can’t move laterally or jump as high as he used to before the injury and is still getting used to his limitations. He credits Rick Celebrini, the Warriors’ director of sports medicine and performance, with helping him work through the adjustments.
“He’s preached this to me since the time I stepped foot here,” Cousins said. “There’s gonna be good days, and it’s going to be a lot of bad days through this process. Obviously, I’m in the bad days right now. With every storm, the sun shines at the end.”
Good insights on just how tough it is mentally to come back from a serious injury. Not a Warriors fan, but you have to respect that they seem to being doing everything possible to make Cousins successful. I’m really curious to see what type of offers he gets this offseason.
I wouldn’t be surprised if he takes the non bird raise from GSW. I think that would let him fully rebuild his value and sign a larger deal elsewhere the year after.
Understandable. He’s used to being a gifted athlete and right now his body just isn’t there. It’s a mental battle as much a physical battle it is.
I was just commenting on how lumbering and aggravated Cousins looked vs Houston. He got a lot of premature compliments on his recovered skills following his return and now that is almost something else to overcome. More time is needed
12-15 mpg until the playoffs or week before. Play it smart.
Blah blah, no sympathy for me, he’s always been a selfish locker room cancer. I seriously hope he jeopardises warriors hopes with his antics and technicals in the post season. His ring will always be meaningless, just like KD.
Aren’t they all??? DMC is a total beast man, stop hating!
Cousins is displaying good patience with the ups and downs he’s going through with this Achilles issue. He earned his reputation as a bad apple in the early days of his career, but seems to have matured. Having said that, it’s easy to remember his tendencies to act selfishly and childishly on the court. That’s not “hating”, it’s simply an opinion.