It would be basketball misconduct to make bold claims against one or even a few games, but the downside to the DeMarcus Cousins experience could be summed up in a particular second quarter series against the New Orleans Pelicans on Feb. 9 – ironically the place where Cousins Spent his last days as one of the NBA’s elite great men.
With about four minutes remaining, Cousins was placed around the basket against Pelicans center Steven Adams. Adams had retired from Cousins for a moment, essentially giving him an unquestioned lay-up. Four years ago that would have been two points. Instead, at the age of 30 and after years of injuries, Cousins missed the blast or elevator to convert it.
Then, on the next possession, Cousins found himself facing Pelican guard Eric Bledsoe at the top of the key. Bledsoe seemed indecisive as he held onto the ball – until Cousins’ presence made the easy choice for him. Most, if not all, scouting …