DeMarcus Cousins, reflecting on his time with Anthony Davis in New Orleans, believes that their partnership could have reached the heights of legendary NBA duos like Tim Duncan and David Robinson.
"Well damn, this could really be something special cuz throughout my career so far, this is the most talented guy I've ever teamed up with. And all I wanted in my career was a guy that I know I could go to war with."
"I told myself, 's**t, we could just make this s**t something special. Like we both got a different skill set. It's something the league hasn't seen."
"I definitely think we could have like a Tim Duncan-David Robinson type if everything aligned correctly. I don't see them even trying to break that duo up like I believe we were that dominant, so short-lived, but that small sample size was epic for sure." (18:20)
When the New Orleans Pelicans acquired Cousins before the 2017 NBA trade deadline, they aimed to create a formidable frontcourt alongside their young star, Anthony Davis. Cousins expressed his confidence in their potential during an appearance on Podcast P, likening their partnership to the iconic Twin Towers of the San Antonio Spurs.
Despite initial doubts about the fit, Cousins recognized the opportunity to build something special with Davis. The prospect of teaming up with a player of Davis's caliber inspired Cousins, leading him to believe they could dominate the league together. In their brief time together, Cousins and Davis showcased their dominance, demonstrating an unparalleled skill set and chemistry on the court.
Their partnership was cut short when Cousins suffered a season-ending Achilles injury during the 2017-18 season. Despite the setback, the Pelicans' success in the playoffs that year underscored the potential of their duo. Davis, echoing Cousins's sentiments, believes they could have contended for a championship if not for the untimely injury.
The breakup of the Davis-Cousins partnership remains a significant "What If" in NBA history. Both players possessed the talent and versatility to form a dynamic duo capable of challenging any team in the league. Unfortunately, circumstances prevented them from fully realizing their potential together on the court.
As Cousins reflects on his time with Davis, he acknowledges the missed opportunity to achieve greatness in New Orleans. Despite their separation, their brief partnership left a lasting impression on the NBA, leaving fans to wonder what could have been if fate had allowed them to continue their journey together.
That New Orleans Pelicans Team Could Have Caused Serious Problems To The Golden State Warriors
The New Orleans Pelicans team featuring Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins indeed possessed the potential to pose serious problems for the Golden State Warriors during their dominant run with Kevin Durant. While the Warriors boasted an impressive lineup with their small-ball style of play, teams with exceptional big men often presented challenges to their defense.
The Pelicans' frontcourt duo of Davis and Cousins was a formidable pairing that could have exploited the Warriors' vulnerabilities in the paint. Davis, with his versatile scoring ability and defensive prowess, averaged 28.1 points, 11.1 rebounds, 1.5 steals, and 2.6 blocks per game, showcasing his dominance on both ends of the floor.
Cousins, known for his scoring, rebounding, and playmaking, contributed 25.2 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game, adding another dimension to the Pelicans' offense.
With shooters surrounding them and playmakers like Jrue Holiday and Rajon Rondo facilitating the offense, the Pelicans had a well-rounded roster capable of exploiting the Warriors' weaknesses. Their combination of size, skill, and depth could have posed matchup problems for the Warriors, particularly in the paint and on the boards.
While the Warriors' talent level was undoubtedly high, the Pelicans had the potential to challenge them and push them to their limits. While defeating the Warriors might have been a tall order, the Pelicans could have certainly made the series competitive and given the Warriors a run for their money. Their ability to exploit mismatches and capitalize on their strengths could have tested the Warriors' small-ball approach and forced them to adjust their game plan accordingly.
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