Boogie Don’t You Dare Sign That Contract Extension
It’s safe to say at this point of his career that Demarcus Cousins is the best big man in the league. In an era where legit dominant big men are becoming a dying breed; he’s putting up 28 points per game and 10 rebounds per game. In those two categories his numbers are similar to Russell Westbrook’s’ averaging 30 points per game and 10 rebounds. Cousins would easily be a candidate for Most Valuable Player if his team had a better record. Cousins is one of the few superstar players that deserves to leave this bad organization for a better one. He’s been in the league for six years and not once been in the playoffs. Hall of Fame players would have to respect his decision to take his talents elsewhere because he’s been loyal long enough without seeing any positive change for the franchise.
Management
The number one person who should be blamed for this debacle of a franchise is Vice President of Basketball Operations and General Manager, Vlade Divac. His blunders have cost the team dearly as he has never shown that he has an eye for talent and gives up on players before they have an opportunity to flourish. Just to name a few bust players Divac drafted:
• Tyreke Evans pick 4 2009 draft
• Ben McLemore pick 7 2013 draft
• Nik Stauskas pick 8 2014 draft
• Willie Cauley-Stein pick 6 2015 draft
Two key guys who are now a success for another organization:
• Hassan Whiteside round 2 pick 33 2010 draft
• Isaiah Thomas round 2 pick 60 2011 draft
Roster
Management have yet to build around Cousins. The only players he has had an opportunity to play with were missed draft picks and role players who would better benefit contending teams. For a couple of seasons now, Rudy Gay has been rumored to be on the trading block, but the Kings are holding him hostage. Rudy Gay is now 30 years old and should be playing for a contending team that needs depth or a starting small forward. The Los Angeles Clippers fit that need perfectly. Also, let’s not forget that for the past few seasons Cousins has been linked to trade rumors, especially when they hired George Karl to be the head coach. For being the team franchise player, rumors like that should never be leaked and it shows that the organization has no loyalty to their players. Other players in the league take notice of those things, which is probably why year after year they struggle to sign quality free agents that can help the team win.
The Best Option
It would benefit Boogie best if he turns down the $200 million contract after the 2018 season and plays for the Lakers. They have shown that they are moving in the right direction with young draft picks. Cousins can jump right in and be the leader that they need. Also, it will be very beneficial for the Lakers and their fan base to finally have a superstar player on the roster after Kobe Bryant’s retirement.
Final Thoughts
Lastly, Cousins’ biggest mistake of his career would be resigning for 5 years to suffer more with a losing organization and no strong leadership from management. We will see increasingly negative antics from him and no maturity because he has yet received any guidance since being drafted to the organization. Boogie, the choice is yours, but don’t choose wrong because this might be your last big contract.
