Team USA White vs Blue (Cousins)

[HereWeBoogie]

Actually it may be a response to his bravado in the media by the coaches.. If they are trying to instill a sense of team, who knows?

yea who knows and who cares, it was just a scrimmage. he will destroy every single one of those big men when he faces them in the season. Monroe is the best matchup but Cousins can easily outplay him, Davis stands no chance, we already saw what he did to Deandre Jordan in the last game against the clippers last year. Favors/Zeller/whoever else was on that team, would be a laughable matchup against Cousins

 

[Spike]

Yep! That's the style they want to play which doesn't really fit with Cousins skill set. The problem is when we play vs a team like Spain and need big guys. Right now they have Kevin Love committed, who should fill the need of a post player who can rebound and knock down some shots and go against those kind of bigs. He was lousy last year though, so it's possible Cousins could be added to the team as the backup player of that type.

The other bigs in Davis/Jordan/Chandler/Drummond fit the other mold of player they use more often when they don't need a big guy who can hold his own.

Then you have Monroe, who might fit either group which leads me to believe Colangelo will probably pick him over Cousins for a spot on the team.

DMC needs the ball to be dominant, duh, but they've talked about how the gameplan involved more guard play, and they pretty much expect the bigs to clean up the messes and run the floor, which is why Davis thrives. To bring in and use Cousins effectively would involve more of an inside out game. They did a little of that in the first half, but not much overall which tends to speak to the kind of talent we have relative to other teams.

There are simply more elite guards than elite posts for team USA. The style of play reflects that. I'll be curious to see how things shake out if Cousins begins to consistently dominate in the NBA. Bringing him in would almost assuredly change the plan, but I don't see that in the interim.

 

[Kingsfan23]

I would like to see more confidence and refinement in some type of back to the basket game.. He is so big and beastly with deft touch

 

[The_Jamal]

Not happy with the Cousins effort. This was a good opportunity to start and change his rep around the league.

 

[Kingsfan23]

We have the ability to match next season, we can offer more years the year after, and be able to sign-and-trade if need be. you have to be 100% sure who you hitch your wagon to, and hopefully Cousins will inspire more confidence in those that believe we should max him during the course of the offseason

 

[KingMilz]

Wow he only played 12mins and was the equal leading rebounder on blue? Damn that sucks when a scrub like DeAndre Jordan on the other team gets more playing time than the most talented big there.......how was Monroe and Davis a better starting like up than Cousins and Davis? I didn't watch the game but wow seems Blue got trashed hard by a team that had the worst 4 bigmen there.

 

[Bricklayer]

Wow he only played 12mins and was the equal leading rebounder on blue? Damn that sucks when a scrub like DeAndre Jordan on the other team gets more playing time than the most talented big there.......how was Monroe and Davis a better starting like up than Cousins and Davis? I didn't watch the game but wow seems Blue got trashed hard by a team that had the worst 4 bigmen there.

Cousins was doing pretty well in the first half on offense, but whether it was him or the defensive scheme, everytime he showed Drummond would slip to the hoop for an easy one. Then in the second half he just looked kind of unused and out of rhythm, and I'm pretty sure he got benched for not running back on defense on a play, which is about the worst thing he could have done for an audition, especially when coached by Tom Thibodeau.

Meanwhile Davis was very good, and Monroe fairly good, and the White team was trying to smallball to take advantage of its perimeter guys/lack of good bigs. So the minutes went elsewhere.

 

[KingMilz]

Cousins was doing pretty well in the first half on offense, but whether it was him or the defensive scheme, everytime he showed Drummond would slip to the hoop for an easy one. Then in the second half he just looked kind of unused and out of rhythm, and I'm pretty sure he got benched for not running back on defense on a play, which is about the worst thing he could have done for an audition, especially when coached by Tom Thibodeau.

Meanwhile Davis was very good, and Monroe fairly good, and the White team was trying to smallball to take advantage of its perimeter guys/lack of good bigs. So the minutes went elsewhere.

O ok, thanks a lot for that breakdown, was the game played at a NBA intensity level cause how on earth do you give up 128 points?

 

[yeehee]

Looked like Cousins was trying to be more of a help defender/shot blocker and would typically leave his man open.

 

[Double-K]

Love what I'm seeing so far. This is gonna open some people's eyes as to just what DMC can do with quality players around him.

Isn't that how Lebron got the idea of teaming up with superstars?

 

[Boogie-havoc]

DeMarcus still has zero clue what to do on PNR other then rush the ball-handler, and puts his teammates on blast forcing them to help a rolling bigman at the rim, who when he catches it high is pretty darn impossible to defend.

All comes down to being lazy. It's like he wants to take as many breaks as he can defensively - doesn't really play alert with his feet, always with his hands, and doesn't really understand the angles. Coach Malone got a bit of an eye-opener today as far as the 'DeMarcus Cousins defensive anchor' talks.

 

[mac]

I don't remember who it was around here, but someone was saying last year that Barnes wasn't very athletic. He should check out the highlights from this game.

 

[Boogie-havoc]

Btw as far as the benching - was it only me who thought he got subbed cause he hurt his back?

The trainer talked to him on the bench afterwards aswell - he let out a scream on one play and stayed on offense holding his lower back, and then immediately Davis got up

Doesn't change the fact his low effort and jogging down on defense should have sent him to the bench anyways - but I felt he hurt his back or something and that was mainly it.

 

[Kingster]

I didn't see the scrimmage. So what grade do you give Cousins on defense? On offense?

 

[Bricklayer]

Btw as far as the benching - was it only me who thought he got subbed cause he hurt his back?

The trainer talked to him on the bench afterwards aswell - he let out a scream on one play and stayed on offense holding his lower back, and then immediately Davis got up

Doesn't change the fact his low effort and jogging down on defense should have sent him to the bench anyways - but I felt he hurt his back or something and that was mainly it.

I noted it too, although it went unnoticed by our crack team of announcers (actually I am mortified to say that much as I detest the man and wish him nothing but ill, Isiah Thomas makes for a pretty good color guy. Amusing that even in that setting though he just can't let the ego go about his own accomplishments).

Whether that was the reason, or not running back because of it, the suspicion he may not have really been hurt, whatever, Boogie didn't look pleased over on the bench.

 

[Section 101]

I noted it too, although it went unnoticed by our crack team of announcers (actually I am mortified to say that much as I detest the man and wish him nothing but ill, Isiah Thomas makes for a pretty good color guy. Amusing that even in that setting though he just can't let the ego go about his own accomplishments).

Whether that was the reason, or not running back because of it, the suspicion he may not have really been hurt, whatever, Boogie didn't look pleased over on the bench.

It looked like an ankle at first the way he hopped under the basket. But ya I thought he was hurt at that point.

I think people are missing the big picture. This was more like an all star up and down game. That's not Cuz's strength. No he won't keep up with the skinny bigs up and down the court. Monroe was dragging a bit too. But as someone pointed out he was tied for blue team rebounds. Cuz was getting the boards where the other centers fumbling the ball around. Rebounding and all around game is where he will make the team.

 

[Boogie-havoc]

I don't know.

I think the maybe more limited but much better defender/equal or greater rebounder in Drummond is more what this current Team USA is looking for in that position, atleast in terms of style.

Maybe he'll get a role as a 'specialist' for post offense off the bench - but in general I think what they want is athleticism, defense and rebounding from the center position.

DeMarcus only brings 1 of the 3. Factor in his attitude and the feeling that you need to tip toe around him at times cause he might snap, and you got yourself a rejection for 2014.

Just my take atleast, as it stands. Hopefully the season with Coach Malone will transform him on the defensive effort side, and get him into better shape aswell.

 

[HndsmCelt]

DMC looked good,but as other posters noticed he has lots of work to do on defense but that should come with 1.coaching/ practice, 2. playing with guys who have and know clearly defined roles on D. What still concerns me is the fact that he still hesitates to pass out of the double team. He really needs to recognize them as they form and look for the open man. This stuff very few bigs ever get, either because they lack the passing skills DMC has or they just learn to plow in as soon as they get the ball down low to avoid doubles. DMC could do either and just needs to learn how to quick read the D and respond immediately. That will take some time and trust.

 

[JB_kings]

I think Cuz makes the team. They will need big men to match up with Spain's 14 feet and 500 pounds of twin towers next summer. Part of beating them is also making them work on defense.

And what in the name of Jose Canseco did Derrick Favors do to his body? He looks like he bulked up since the season ended.

 

[rexb_kings]

I think Cuz makes the team. They will need big men to match up with Spain's 14 feet and 500 pounds of twin towers next summer. Part of beating them is also making them work on defense.

Yep, that's what I think too. Team USA will need bigger guys inside to go against the bigs of other teams especially Spain. I thought Tyson Chandler and Love from the previous team was smallish, if not for Durant and other players going crazy on the 3s it would have been hard for the Team USA winning it all.

The thing is, Team USA will play really fast and may not work as well for Cousins style of play. This is where Dwight, DeAndre, Anthony Davis will flourish. But we'll see, hoping for Cousins making the roster, we all know what are the results were when players get to play for Team USA, they usually play and get better

 

[VF21]

I don't know.

I think the maybe more limited but much better defender/equal or greater rebounder in Drummond is more what this current Team USA is looking for in that position, atleast in terms of style.

Maybe he'll get a role as a 'specialist' for post offense off the bench - but in general I think what they want is athleticism, defense and rebounding from the center position.

DeMarcus only brings 1 of the 3. Factor in his attitude and the feeling that you need to tip toe around him at times cause he might snap, and you got yourself a rejection for 2014.

Just my take atleast, as it stands. Hopefully the season with Coach Malone will transform him on the defensive effort side, and get him into better shape aswell.

You might want to cut him a bit of a break. If you read the latest articles, including comments from the TeamUSA staff, they were all pretty pleased with DMC, his work ethic, attitude, etc. At some point, IMHO, you have to let go of his past and judge him by what he's doing currently.

 

[Prince_XY]

But we'll see, hoping for Cousins making the roster, we all know what are the results were when players get to play for Team USA, they usually play and get better

He must make the roster, for the sake of us who believes he is a FRANCHISE-TYPE player who deserves that max contract. IMO, It would be embarrassing if he does not make it. It will make us all look so stupid, so biased, and clueless. So, please make it happen Cousins.

Go Cousins!

 

[bajaden]

Not happy with the Cousins effort. This was a good opportunity to start and change his rep around the league.

Really hard to judge his effort since we don't really know what or how they wanted him to play. The gist I got, was that wanted him to just rebound and play defense, which isn't his strong suit. I don't think they ever ran a play for him. I mean he had 7 boards in 17 minutes tying Davis, who had 7 boards in 27 minutes. If rebounding is one of their priorities, then mission accomplished! I think his biggest accomplishment is that he stayed the course, and was a good soldier the entire time there. They complimented his work ethic, and it was pointed out by someone that he was always on the floor working out long before practice began. They know what he can do on the floor!

 

[bajaden]

I noted it too, although it went unnoticed by our crack team of announcers (actually I am mortified to say that much as I detest the man and wish him nothing but ill, Isiah Thomas makes for a pretty good color guy. Amusing that even in that setting though he just can't let the ego go about his own accomplishments).

Whether that was the reason, or not running back because of it, the suspicion he may not have really been hurt, whatever, Boogie didn't look pleased over on the bench.

I thought at first that he had pulled a muscle or something. And I do think that's why he was removed from the game. Just my opinion, and I'm sure the Cousins haters will believe otherwise.

 

[bajaden]

I think Cuz makes the team. They will need big men to match up with Spain's 14 feet and 500 pounds of twin towers next summer. Part of beating them is also making them work on defense.

And what in the name of Jose Canseco did Derrick Favors do to his body? He looks like he bulked up since the season ended.

I think I read somewhere that Favors is on baseball's PED list, and is about to be suspended.

 

[bajaden]

He must make the roster, for the sake of us who believes he is a FRANCHISE-TYPE player who deserves that max contract. IMO, It would be embarrassing if he does not make it. It will make us all look so stupid, so biased, and clueless. So, please make it happen Cousins.

Go Cousins!

I'd love it if he made the final roster, and personally, I think he will. But I don't think it will be embarrassing, or make us look stupid and clueless if he doesn't. Its an honor to be considered for the team, and many very very good players have failed to make the USA team. So much depends on the style of game they want to play. Obviously, this team is going to be perimeter oriented, and therefore will carry more perimeter players. That means fewer spots available for frontcourt players. So sometimes its a numbers game, and it has nothing to do with a players talent. But more to do with how a players talent fits into the style their trying to play.

 

[Prince_XY]

I'd love it if he made the final roster, and personally, I think he will. But I don't think it will be embarrassing, or make us look stupid and clueless if he doesn't. Its an honor to be considered for the team, and many very very good players have failed to make the USA team. So much depends on the style of game they want to play.

But Bajaden, many of us see Cousins as one of the top Centers in the NBA to the point we want to give him the max contract now believing he deserves it. If Cousins does not make it after showing he has matured a lot attitude-wise, that will raise a big question on how we see (or over rate) Cousins a lot.

If the likes of Monroe, Drummond, and Davis make it to the USA Team I think Cousins should also make it to the team if indeed he is that good as we think he is. It will either be that Krzyzewski, Colangelo, et al are so stupidly biased in their evaluation, or us being stupidly biased with our evaluation of Cousins.

Those who do not believe Cousins is a franchise player deserving the max contract now will somehow be validated.

 

[Bricklayer]

But Bajaden, many of us see Cousins as one of the top Centers in the NBA to the point we want to give him the max contract now believing he deserves it. If Cousins does not make it after showing he has matured a lot attitude-wise, that will raise a big question on how we see (or over rate) Cousins a lot.

If the likes of Monroe, Drummond, and Davis make it to the USA Team I think Cousins should also make it to the team if indeed he is that good as we think he is. It will either be that Krzyzewski, Colangelo, et al are so stupidly biased in their evaluation, or us being stupidly biased with our evaluation of Cousins.

Those who do not believe Cousins is a franchise player deserving the max contract now will somehow be validated.

Uh no, not the way it works. Team USA Basketball is largely irrelevant both to franchise player evaluations and in point of fact, expecially when you consider the limited role they may be looking for their big men to play.

 

[Darth Divac]

I didn't get to see the game, can anyone tell me what the box scores where? I tried TeamUSA.com, but I can't load them on my computer for some reason.

 

[swisshh]

Cousins doesn't exactly fit the USAB style of wing dominant offense and shoot-em-up guards. On the other hand, he is just the type of player that would give the USAB team fits if he was playing for another country. Davis and Love aren't checking a guy his size. This is why a healthy Spanish team with a bit more developed talent is a threat. If you have talented size then you can hurt the USAB team. Cousins has value in that he equalizes that, but I don't think USAB worries about that situation.

It's basically the Heat v Pacers scenario. A guy like Hibbert kills them and gives them fits. The Heat just rely on most teams not having that and out-talenting the teams that do.