DeMarcus Cousins - "Fit For The Kings"

[bajaden]

:

Hawes only took 3 threes in college.




Cousins took 6!!!!!! p

As I suspected, the ususal suspects!!! :

 

[Bricklayer]

*sigh*

I like you, Bajaden! I will therefore point out that he went 1-6 on threes in college, and 0-1 on threes in summer league. Having done that, I hereby return your life to you.

Ha! I was first! Therefore its not yours to return.

But do not fear bajaden...I too will return it to you...in exchange for your soul!!!

BMUHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!

 

[bajaden]

*sigh*

I like you, Bajaden! I will therefore point out that he went 1-6 on threes in college, and 0-1 on threes in summer league. Having done that, I hereby return your life to you.

Thats why you should always look before you leap. I thankfully accept my life back.. Whew!

 

[Kingster]

There seems to be some question from some fans about where Cousins will spend most of his time on the floor. Under the basket or beyond the 3pt arc. I watched him play in the usual highschool players tournaments and over 20 games in college last year. And I'm sure that anyone that watched him play in college, knows that he spent almost all of his time in the post. The number of times I saw him take a jumpshot I could count on both hands. When he arrived at Kentucky he asked Calapari if he could play some shooting guard. Of course that didn't happen, but it does attest to his belief in skills that were seldom seen in college. He did show off his outlet pass, but only on occasion did you see the creative passing that he showed in summer league.

The bottom line is that he's very coachable and does whats asked of him. He knew he could shoot from the outside. He knew he had the ability to handle the ball, put the ball on the floor and take it to the basket. But he didn't do it because he was asked not to. Calapari didn't need him to do those things. He needed a big strong body under the basket and thats what Cousins did. Now I haven't looked up the stats, but I'd bet my life that he didn't take one three point shot in college. I'm sure those that don't like me are looking up those stats right now in hopes of collecting that bet.

I'm not a mind reader, so I have no idea of how the Kings are planning on using Cousins. But logic tells us that if they play Cousins and Dalembert together, which is a distinct possibility, that Cousins will probably be out at the high post. Similar to how Webb used to set up when playing with Vlade. Which means from time to time he'll be taking 15 to 19 foot jumpers when the shot is there. When Dalembert leaves the floor, I would expect Cousins to move to the low post. The point is that he's skilled enough to play either post position and be very effective. To reverse the positions and put Dalembert out on the high post would be insane. He simply has no skills out there. I could see Dalembert getting some easy baskets on assists from Cousins, when Cousins is in the high post.

The bottom line is, don't blame Cousins for where he positions himself on the floor. Blame the coaching staff! Because he has shown he'll do whats asked of him. I envision him becoming someone similar to Tim Duncan as to how he plays the game, but with better passing ability. Duncan can play high or low on offense, and is dangerous either way. Cousins said his favorite player is Pau Gasol as far as skill level goes. You don't see Pau taking many three point shots. I can appreciate the concerns, since we all still have the Hawes image burned into our brains. But Cousins is not Hawes. So lets just wait and see before we start wringing out hands.

Of course we wouldn't blame Cousins for shooting 20 footers or playing like a wussy power forward in a center's body. If that crazzy-a$$ stuff happens, then Westphal is the guy with the target on his back. If Cousins plays inside (where he should) then Dalembert is outside. That's nuts. And if Dalembert plays inside with Cousins outside, that's nuts too. That's all we need, is to develop Cousins' outside game (maybe then he would start working out with Tyreke and they could play Horse) at the zero-sum game expense of working on his inside game. Gives me the shivers to think about it. Might as well rip off the Hawes scab and scrape the wound with a razor.

 

[fnordius]

If Cousins plays inside (where he should) then Dalembert is outside. That's nuts. And if Dalembert plays inside with Cousins outside, that's nuts too.

Probably an excellent reason to not play them both at once, don't you think?

 

[Superman]

Probably an excellent reason to not play them both at once, don't you think?

I don't think Cousins' limitations as a forward are related to his offense, as I think he's skilled enough to play high or low. And I don't have a problem with him shooting long jumpers, as long as he's making them. It's a part of the game, whether you're big or not. Would allow us to run a two-man screen offense with him and Tyreke or Beno, and if he's a threat to make a jumper, he's got to be acknowledged on the perimeter.

What I don't want to see is him turning into Rasheed Wallace, never crossing either three point line throughout an entire game, just waiting for kickouts and such. I'd like to see him spend the majority of his time with his back to the basket, where he can most effectively create for himself and others. And judging from the way he played in summer league and what he did on the game winning play, that's where he wants to be. Ran right down to the post possession after possession and went to work over and over again. Showed a wide assortment of shots, and when it was money time, went strong to the jump hook. I don't think we'll have to worry about his offense.

 

[Gary]

There seems to be some question from some fans about where Cousins will spend most of his time on the floor. Under the basket or beyond the 3pt arc. I watched him play in the usual highschool players tournaments and over 20 games in college last year. And I'm sure that anyone that watched him play in college, knows that he spent almost all of his time in the post. The number of times I saw him take a jumpshot I could count on both hands. When he arrived at Kentucky he asked Calapari if he could play some shooting guard. Of course that didn't happen, but it does attest to his belief in skills that were seldom seen in college. He did show off his outlet pass, but only on occasion did you see the creative passing that he showed in summer league.

The bottom line is that he's very coachable and does whats asked of him. He knew he could shoot from the outside. He knew he had the ability to handle the ball, put the ball on the floor and take it to the basket. But he didn't do it because he was asked not to. Calapari didn't need him to do those things. He needed a big strong body under the basket and thats what Cousins did. Now I haven't looked up the stats, but I'd bet my life that he didn't take one three point shot in college. I'm sure those that don't like me are looking up those stats right now in hopes of collecting that bet.

I'm not a mind reader, so I have no idea of how the Kings are planning on using Cousins. But logic tells us that if they play Cousins and Dalembert together, which is a distinct possibility, that Cousins will probably be out at the high post. Similar to how Webb used to set up when playing with Vlade. Which means from time to time he'll be taking 15 to 19 foot jumpers when the shot is there. When Dalembert leaves the floor, I would expect Cousins to move to the low post. The point is that he's skilled enough to play either post position and be very effective. To reverse the positions and put Dalembert out on the high post would be insane. He simply has no skills out there. I could see Dalembert getting some easy baskets on assists from Cousins, when Cousins is in the high post.

The bottom line is, don't blame Cousins for where he positions himself on the floor. Blame the coaching staff! Because he has shown he'll do whats asked of him. I envision him becoming someone similar to Tim Duncan as to how he plays the game, but with better passing ability. Duncan can play high or low on offense, and is dangerous either way. Cousins said his favorite player is Pau Gasol as far as skill level goes. You don't see Pau taking many three point shots. I can appreciate the concerns, since we all still have the Hawes image burned into our brains. But Cousins is not Hawes. So lets just wait and see before we start wringing out hands.

Great read (as usual)...

Can't have both Dalembert and Cousins in the low post. They would be stepping on eachothers feet! So you are right, who would you rather have in the high post or the elbow? Dalembert or Cousins? Easy decision to make.. Cousins is going to be REAL good..

 

[Kingster]

Probably an excellent reason to not play them both at once, don't you think?

My point exactly!

 

[Boogie-havoc]

There seems to be some question from some fans about where Cousins will spend most of his time on the floor. Under the basket or beyond the 3pt arc. I watched him play in the usual highschool players tournaments and over 20 games in college last year. And I'm sure that anyone that watched him play in college, knows that he spent almost all of his time in the post. The number of times I saw him take a jumpshot I could count on both hands. When he arrived at Kentucky he asked Calapari if he could play some shooting guard. Of course that didn't happen, but it does attest to his belief in skills that were seldom seen in college. He did show off his outlet pass, but only on occasion did you see the creative passing that he showed in summer league.

The bottom line is that he's very coachable and does whats asked of him. He knew he could shoot from the outside. He knew he had the ability to handle the ball, put the ball on the floor and take it to the basket. But he didn't do it because he was asked not to. Calapari didn't need him to do those things. He needed a big strong body under the basket and thats what Cousins did. Now I haven't looked up the stats, but I'd bet my life that he didn't take one three point shot in college. I'm sure those that don't like me are looking up those stats right now in hopes of collecting that bet.

I'm not a mind reader, so I have no idea of how the Kings are planning on using Cousins. But logic tells us that if they play Cousins and Dalembert together, which is a distinct possibility, that Cousins will probably be out at the high post. Similar to how Webb used to set up when playing with Vlade. Which means from time to time he'll be taking 15 to 19 foot jumpers when the shot is there. When Dalembert leaves the floor, I would expect Cousins to move to the low post. The point is that he's skilled enough to play either post position and be very effective. To reverse the positions and put Dalembert out on the high post would be insane. He simply has no skills out there. I could see Dalembert getting some easy baskets on assists from Cousins, when Cousins is in the high post.

The bottom line is, don't blame Cousins for where he positions himself on the floor. Blame the coaching staff! Because he has shown he'll do whats asked of him. I envision him becoming someone similar to Tim Duncan as to how he plays the game, but with better passing ability. Duncan can play high or low on offense, and is dangerous either way. Cousins said his favorite player is Pau Gasol as far as skill level goes. You don't see Pau taking many three point shots. I can appreciate the concerns, since we all still have the Hawes image burned into our brains. But Cousins is not Hawes. So lets just wait and see before we start wringing out hands.

I agree with you.. this here fact shows how all the media talk about him is stupid and unbased.

Wanted to add I enjoy your posts very much and always learn or pick up a thing or two when I do(Well i'm not that much of a Basketball expert!), and would like to thank you for it keep up the great work.

And same goes to the vest majority of this forum!

 

[bajaden]

My point exactly!

I don't have a problem with Cousins in the high post from time to time. What I don't want to see is him out beyond the arc. Webb played in the high post and I don't remember too many people complaining. As point out, you have to be out there to set screens and to run the pick and roll, which I can see Cousins and Tyreke eventually making a living off of. I would prefer not to see Dalembert and Cousins on the floor together, but if it happens, Cousins has to be the high post guy. Who knows? It may work better than we think. Thats what they have preseason for..

 

[bajaden]

Ha! I was first! Therefore its not yours to return.

But do not fear bajaden...I too will return it to you...in exchange for your soul!!!

BMUHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!

Ummmm! Ahhhh, I think I sold my soul some time ago. Is there something else we can barter with?

 

[Telemachus]

This could be an acknowledgment of the defensive/shotblocking questions, but I also think its probably also a sign of the same immaturity that 75% of modern "bigs" have where they don't want to be bigs, they want to be all court forwards. Spencer had the same thing. Too much Sportscenter. Center, despite being the most important position on the floor, is seen as a trap where you don't get to show off your talents and screw around on the perimeter, rather than as an opportunity to anchor a team.

Kevin Garnett refused to be listed taller than 6'11 for years because he didn't want to be considered a center. This kind of thing just doesn't really make any difference most of the time.

 

[Megalodon]

I know what Ronnie Lott would do. Come on Cuz, man up!

Give a pep talk to the saints before the MNF game between the niners and saints?

 

[Peter_Gibbons]

Kevin Garnett refused to be listed taller than 6'11 for years because he didn't want to be considered a center. This kind of thing just doesn't really make any difference most of the time.

That also meant he didn't want to play center. Amare hated playing center for the Suns all these years and took every chance he got to say publicly that he is not a center. I hope this is not the reason why DeMarcus is calling himself a power forward as attitude and approach makes a big difference on how he will play at center.

 

[Peter_Gibbons]

This could be an acknowledgment of the defensive/shotblocking questions, but I also think its probably also a sign of the same immaturity that 75% of modern "bigs" have where they don't want to be bigs, they want to be all court forwards. Spencer had the same thing. Too much Sportscenter. Center, despite being the most important position on the floor, is seen as a trap where you don't get to show off your talents and screw around on the perimeter, rather than as an opportunity to anchor a team.

Thats what I'm afraid of. We all saw how much he liked putting the ball on the floor and face up on his guy in the mid range area. He has the skills and size to play with his back to the basket and demand double teams. Thats what I want him to do. We have an unstoppable guy penetrating on the perimeter already.

 

[Prince_XY]

What I don't want to see is him turning into Rasheed Wallace, never crossing either three point line throughout an entire game, just waiting for kickouts and such. I'd like to see him spend the majority of his time with his back to the basket, where he can most effectively create for himself and others. And judging from the way he played in summer league and what he did on the game winning play, that's where he wants to be. Ran right down to the post possession after possession and went to work over and over again. Showed a wide assortment of shots, and when it was money time, went strong to the jump hook. I don't think we'll have to worry about his offense.

I agree.

But in fairness to Rasheed Wallace, I think we need to mention he did not play like that when he was younger and during that time the Detroit Pistons won the NBA FINALS against Shaq, Malone, Kobe, and Payton of the mighty Lakers.

What I would like to see in Cousins is sort of playing like the Rasheed Wallace of that great Pistons ( without the propencity to take 3-pointers of course. Cousins is not Hawes and we have had enough of the wussy play of Hawes. Fans don't need to see more of soggy waffle plays. ) Cousins needs to play inside and out according to what the situation calls for him to do offensively. Ala-Chris Webber. And if Dalembert plays awesome defense and rebounding like Ben Wallace of that Piston team, I wouldn't be surprized if we hover around the 7th or 8th playoff spot most of the season.

I guess the bottom line of what I like to see is our 2 best BIGS learning to play at the same time and with a lot of success. Our best defensive BIG playing long stretches alongside our best offensive BIG.

 

[Bricklayer]

I agree.

But in fairness to Rasheed Wallace, I think we need to mention he did not play like that when he was younger and during that time the Detroit Pistons won the NBA FINALS against Shaq, Malone, Kobe, and Payton of the mighty Lakers.

What I would like to see in Cousins is sort of playing like the Rasheed Wallace of that great Pistons ( without the propencity to take 3-pointers of course. Cousins is not Hawes and we have had enough of the wussy play of Hawes. Fans don't need to see more of soggy waffle plays. ) Cousins needs to play inside and out according to what the situation calls for him to do offensively. Ala-Chris Webber. And if Dalembert plays awesome defense and rebounding like Ben Wallace of that Piston team, I wouldn't be surprized if we hover around the 7th or 8th playoff spot most of the season.

I guess the bottom line of what I like to see is our 2 best BIGS learning to play at the same time and with a lot of success. Our best defensive BIG playing long stretches alongside our best offensive BIG.

DeMarcus has to be MUCH more of an inside player than Chris Webber was. The single greatest knock on Webb other than the clutch play was how often he drifted outside despite apparently overwhelming interior potential. It worked for us in the Princeton, but was not ideal. And that was with a 6'9"250lb guy. Now make that a 6'11" 270lb beast, and he had better get his *** in the post and work inside, inside, and then maybe outside if and only if the other team has done something to stop him inside. Its obvious he will sprinkle in some jumpers, and that's all good as long as the meat and potatoes are taken care of. But if DeMarcus Cousins ever has a game where he shoots 15 jumpers and takes 5 shots inside that's an epic fail. He's going to be one of the biggest men in the NBA, and quite possibly the most offensively talented of all the really big ones. He needs to be watching game tapes of Hakeem not tapes of Sheed (who has to be one of the most overrated players in history).

I do agree with the sentiment expressed above that a lot of that is on the coaches too. I made similar remarks about Hawes when he came in, and he turned into a complete wuss perhaps in part because his various coaches were a collection of weaklings and incompetents. But Hawes may very well have had a lot of wuss in him just by nature. He played that way in college, came right into the league talking rot about wanting to play like Brad Miller. Cousins by all rights should be a different beast. If the coaches (including his old high school coach) let him slide outside, get loose and slopppy and content to settle rather than working the post, in short let him be lazy and get the least out of his talent, then they should be chased out of town with pitchforks for having committed a crime against the game of basketball.

 

[Prince_XY]

DeMarcus has to be MUCH more of an inside player than Chris Webber was. The single greatest knock on Webb other than the clutch play was how often he drifted outside despite apparently overwhelming interior potential. It worked for us in the Princeton, but was not ideal. And that was with a 6'9"250lb guy. Now make that a 6'11" 270lb beast, and he had better get his *** in the post and work inside, inside, and then maybe outside if and only if the other team has done something to stop him inside. Its obvious he will sprinkle in some jumpers, and that's all good as long as the meat and potatoes are taken care of. But if DeMarcus Cousins ever has a game where he shoots 15 jumpers and takes 5 shots inside that's an epic fail. He's going to be one of the biggest men in the NBA, and quite possibly the most offensively talented of all the really big ones. He needs to be watching game tapes of Hakeem not tapes of Sheed (who has to be one of the most overrated players in history).

I agree to the bolded part above. And I think Cousins will play more of his inside game and this is what I meant when I stated Cousins needs to play inside and out according to what the situation calls for him to do offensively. Ala-Chris Webber.

IMO, Webber played a balanced inside and outside game beautifully. I believe it was one of the main reasons that glorious team went as far as the Western Conference Finals. It was not Webber's fault that he got to play with another very good low-post player in Divac, which I think made Adelman play him a lot more at the outside and more than what the "so-called experts" suggested.

I think Cousins situation will be much different without another BIG of the Divac-type of player. If he needs to play more inside game alongside Dalembert, then he needs to play more of that with an attitude ala-Chris Webber.

 

[bajaden]

DeMarcus has to be MUCH more of an inside player than Chris Webber was. The single greatest knock on Webb other than the clutch play was how often he drifted outside despite apparently overwhelming interior potential. It worked for us in the Princeton, but was not ideal. And that was with a 6'9"250lb guy. Now make that a 6'11" 270lb beast, and he had better get his *** in the post and work inside, inside, and then maybe outside if and only if the other team has done something to stop him inside. Its obvious he will sprinkle in some jumpers, and that's all good as long as the meat and potatoes are taken care of. But if DeMarcus Cousins ever has a game where he shoots 15 jumpers and takes 5 shots inside that's an epic fail. He's going to be one of the biggest men in the NBA, and quite possibly the most offensively talented of all the really big ones. He needs to be watching game tapes of Hakeem not tapes of Sheed (who has to be one of the most overrated players in history).

I do agree with the sentiment expressed above that a lot of that is on the coaches too. I made similar remarks about Hawes when he came in, and he turned into a complete wuss perhaps in part because his various coaches were a collection of weaklings and incompetents. But Hawes may very well have had a lot of wuss in him just by nature. He played that way in college, came right into the league talking rot about wanting to play like Brad Miller. Cousins by all rights should be a different beast. If the coaches (including his old high school coach) let him slide outside, get loose and slopppy and content to settle rather than working the post, in short let him be lazy and get the least out of his talent, then they should be chased out of town with pitchforks for having committed a crime against the game of basketball.

I would be lying if I said there wern't times when I became frustrated with Webb's game. I clearly remember him going something like 2 for 22 in a game and all 22 shots were 18 foot jumpers. So I agree with you that Cousins needs to be more of an inside player than Webb was. But I do see some of his game lending itself to a high post game at times. Just about all good bigs have played in the high post from time to time. Its hard to run a pick and roll from the low post, or set perimiter screens from the low post. And I'm fine with that. But make no mistake, his strength is the low post and thats where he needs to spend most of his time.

If I had to guess, I would guess that he spent at least 90% of his time last year in the low post, so I don't think we need to panic because of any statements he makes or because he took a few shots from the outside in college. I've listened to hundreds of interviews by him from college. One thing you'll learn from listening to him is that he has a great sense of humor. Especially straight face humor, where he appears to be serious, but is really pulling your leg. So take everything he says with a grain of salt. Especially when its sounds outlandish. As you said, this really falls on the coaching staff. If they really think we need a 270 pound, 6'11" 3 pt shooter, then they should all be let go. I doubt thats the case. Petrie seems to have changed course from the Kings of old, and now seems to be looking for a bigger, tougher, and more defensive presence on the floor. He got lucky being able to draft both Evans and Cousins, who are not only tough, but skilled as well. Hopefully we'll have the best of both worlds..

 

[gunks]

Havent there been quotes, Westphal and Petrie, where they talk about wanting Cousins to play primarily near the basket?

And I also remember hearing that during summer league he was getting shouted at to stay in the post, when he drifted out due to being tired.


I know our team had an aura of ineptitude about it for a few years there. We had lazy vets with immovable contracts dogging it on the court, as well as a bunch of crap coaches, and Petrie didnt seem to be doing anything to fix the problem. But now, with all the big contracts gone, and a legit coach in town, and Petrie seeming to make all the right moves during the draft and with the Hawes for Dally trade, I think we can allow some confidence again. The Kings people know what they want out of Cuz, and I'm pretty sure it is the same thing that we want from Cuz. A big scary monster beast in the paint. I for one cant wait to see him bust Pau's face fighting for a rebound.

 

[fnordius]

It's funny how some people resist their own greatest gifts.

I like the attitude of Tara Reid (The Big Lebowski, American Pie).

She said, "I make Jessica Simpson look like a rock scientist."

She got looks as her gift, and, despite not being the sharpest knife in the drawer, she realizes and accepts that. By all means, rejoice in what you got! Don't fight it. Stephen Hawking has things covered on the other end of the spectrum, and won't be trying out for Chippendales. The world needs all kinds!

But then you have Ron Artest's musical career. Michael Jordan as a lukewarm minor league baseball player. Paris Hilton acting as if her greatest blessing wasn't an enormous pile of money. Even Austin Fullmer can't see that maybe water treatment might be the career choice that best utilizes his gifts.

DeMarcus: Think this over. You might be happier as an acclaimed NBA center with tens of millions in the bank, than you would be as a backup SG in the D-league. I'm just sayin'.

 

[Bricklayer]

you know, that might just have to be the most flimsy excuse I have yet seen on this board to post a picture of a hot babe, including my own.

I highly approve.

 

[Kings Fan Gerard]

I just hope DMC plays like he did in the summer league. That would be awesome. Of course, it's unlikely to happen since that was just summer league. I just hope he averages close to a double double, 14 and 9 would be pretty good.

 

[Insomniacal Fan]

I like the attitude of Tara Reid (The Big Lebowski, American Pie).

She said, "I make Jessica Simpson look like a rock scientist."

She was probably just making a crack against geologists.

 

[Kingster]

I don't have a problem with Cousins in the high post from time to time. What I don't want to see is him out beyond the arc. Webb played in the high post and I don't remember too many people complaining. As point out, you have to be out there to set screens and to run the pick and roll, which I can see Cousins and Tyreke eventually making a living off of. I would prefer not to see Dalembert and Cousins on the floor together, but if it happens, Cousins has to be the high post guy. Who knows? It may work better than we think. Thats what they have preseason for..

Last time I checked, Cousins wasn't a power forward (like Webber). And if he is Webber in some alternate reality, then who is Divac? I really can't even believe we're having this discussion about a 6'11 280 lb guy playing outside. You need him drawing fouls inside and demanding double teams inside so that by the 4th quarter he's imposing his will on the other team. That isn't going to happen with him shooting 20 footers. If that would happen, then I can assure you that the balance of power on fouls goes to the other team - Cousins ends up getting more fouls on him than he imposes on the other team.

 

[bajaden]

Last time I checked, Cousins wasn't a power forward (like Webber). And if he is Webber in some alternate reality, then who is Divac? I really can't even believe we're having this discussion about a 6'11 280 lb guy playing outside. You need him drawing fouls inside and demanding double teams inside so that by the 4th quarter he's imposing his will on the other team. That isn't going to happen with him shooting 20 footers. If that would happen, then I can assure you that the balance of power on fouls goes to the other team - Cousins ends up getting more fouls on him than he imposes on the other team.

Mi amigo, your taking me out of context. Convenient, but not quite accurate. I was responding to times when both Dalembert and Cousins were in the game together. Which I assume would put Cousins out at the high post where the PF would normally play. Aside from that I stated he should spend most, if not all of his time in the post. However we do have to be realistic. I'm sure they'll run the pick and roll with Cousins and also have him set screens. You don't usually do either of those things in the low post.

I think we should all wait and see what actually happens before we get our panties in an uproar.

 

[fnordius]

I was responding to times when both Dalembert and Cousins were in the game together.

I'm guessing that a fair number of fans believe that this should not happen.

 

[Capt. Factorial]

I'm guessing that a fair number of fans believe that this should not happen.

I'm guessing that a fair number of fans are going to be sorely disappointed, then. It will probably happen for a few minutes a game in most games, and against certain opponents (e.g. the Lakers, as has been mentioned before) it may be a more steady lineup configuration.

 

[fnordius]

I'm guessing that a fair number of fans are going to be sorely disappointed, then. It will probably happen for a few minutes a game in most games

Yes, but I don't think anyone's very worried about that. When you'd see Bibby come out and Keon Clark go in, it didn't mean that Keon was going to be playing PG, it meant that Chris or Vlade was about to come out and BJax was about to come off the bench. You can play almost any lineup for less than 2 minutes.

As for whether it'll be used against particular opponents, I guess we'll see. I'm not at all sure whether Dally will still be with next year, or even until the trade deadline. I'll be happy if Cousins can play 35 minutes a night before Dally packs his bags, but he's never played a 35 minute game in his life. After watching summer league, I'm not going to be crushed if it takes him a year or two to get into that sort of shape.

 

[bajaden]

Yes, but I don't think anyone's very worried about that. When you'd see Bibby come out and Keon Clark go in, it didn't mean that Keon was going to be playing PG, it meant that Chris or Vlade was about to come out and BJax was about to come off the bench. You can play almost any lineup for less than 2 minutes.

As for whether it'll be used against particular opponents, I guess we'll see. I'm not at all sure whether Dally will still be with next year, or even until the trade deadline. I'll be happy if Cousins can play 35 minutes a night before Dally packs his bags, but he's never played a 35 minute game in his life. After watching summer league, I'm not going to be crushed if it takes him a year or two to get into that sort of shape.

I agree that a fair number of fans don't want Cousins on the floor with Dalembert. I'm not too fond of the idea myself. But I suspect it will happen. For two reasons. Certain matchups, and because its a way to get Cousins a few extra minutes a game. If he is indeed ready to play extra minutes. He averaged around 23/24 minutes a game in college. Not always because he was tired, but sometimes, depending on how up and down the game was. But the main reason was that Calapari had it in his mind to limit his minutes, which was easy to do in a lot of the games because, more often than not, they had big leads.

There were those games that he got into foul trouble, which also limited his minutes. Having said all that, there's no doubt that he has to be in much better shape to play in the NBA. Low post center is a very physcial and tiring postion to play. Your constantly fighting for position on offense and trying to deny position on defense. And in the NBA, your doing it against a lot bigger men on a nightly basis. Not a lot of time to rest on the floor. Which is probably why Hawes liked to live out at the perimiter.

I do think its realistic to look a year or two down the road with Cousins. There's simply no way to know how good a shape you have to be in until you go out on the floor and play. And to most players, its a shock that catches up with them about two thirds of the way through the season. Hey! He might surprise us. Tyreke surprised us last year. It could happen again.. Would be nice....