DMC is an absolutely unique talent and the most versatile big man of the league. From my point of view, we worry a bit too much about the right fit next to Cousins. If he can be effective with a below average PF like JT playing next to him, he can play with almost every starting PF/C in the league and still be effective. DMC is a great defender, a solid shotblocker, he is agile and quick. Maybe the mobile, athletic shotblocking, defense first PF is the perfect player next to Cousins, but since there are only few players out there, who fit this playstyle and those players have huge value for their teams, we should start to worry less about fit, but more about overall talent and mainly about work ethic and dedication.
A season ago, the common sense in this forum was, that DMC would never be able to anchor a defense and block shots at a reasonable clip. Just pay attention, how he improved in these areas. At the start of the season Cousins coulnd't play defense without getting in foul trouble all the time and had his minutes limited by this. Look where he is now. There is literally nothing DMC can't do on a basketball court.
I say - keep JT for defensive purposes and aquire some kind of talented PF - no matter if this is a stretch-4, a bully or a defensive powerhouse. DMC will adapt and will be effective. And if we can lower the weight on his shoulders and strenghten our overall talent base, the team will improve.
