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7 quick thoughts about Milwaukee Bucks signing DeMarcus Cousins

By Brian Sampson

NEW ORLEANS, LA - DECEMBER 13: DeMarcus Cousins #0 of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks at Smoothie King Center on December 13, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - DECEMBER 13: DeMarcus Cousins #0 of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks at Smoothie King Center on December 13, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) /
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The Milwaukee Bucks finally made a move to address the shortage of big men on their roster, when they reportedly signed Demarcus Cousins on Sunday.

The four-time All-Star will fill a big void on the roster, as the team currently only has two quality, healthy big men on their roster. Here are seven quick thoughts/notes you should know about the deal and what it means for the Bucks.

With the Milwaukee Bucks reportedly signing DeMarcus Cousins, here are seven quick thoughts about what it means for both parties.

Non-guaranteed deal: The Bucks signed Cousins to a non-guaranteed deal which means it will basically be a six-week tryout before they have to make a decision on January 7th–the date which all NBA contracts become guaranteed. If Milwaukee cuts Cousins before then, it will cost very little to the team.

Workouts: Marc Spears reports Cousins worked out for Bucks’ assistant coach Darvin Ham on Saturday before having dinner with Ham and other members of their front office. He then spoke with head coach Mike Budenholzer on the phone. He also worked out for the Denver Nuggets last week and had interest from another Western Conference team.

Joining the team: Cousins is expected to be in Milwaukee on Monday and join the team shortly after. Following the Bucks’ victory over the Indiana Pacers on Sunday, the team’s next game is on Wednesday, December 1st against the Charlotte Hornets.

What does it mean for Brook Lopez?: Brook Lopez has been out since the second game of the season with an ominous back injury. Milwaukee hasn’t shared any details about the severity or a possible timeline to return (Lopez himself did tell Shams Charania that he’s progressing toward a comeback). That has put a lot of pressure on Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis as the only NBA-caliber bigs on the Bucks’ roster. Antetokounmpo welcomes the addition of another big with open arms. My first inclination is this signing isn’t a good omen for Lopez’ health.

What does it mean for others?: For starters, Antetokounmpo will be able to spend a bit more time at his natural position of power forward. That will allow him to roam the court defensively and settle back into what made him a perennial Defensive Player of the Year candidate. It also means the Bucks have lost faith in the abilities of Semi Ojeleye (currently out with another calf strain), Thanasis Antetokounmpo and Sandro Mamukelashvili to play quality minutes in the Bucks’ rotation.

Injuries: Injuries have sapped Cousins of his elite athleticism and he’s just a shell of his former self. This has made him much less effective in all aspects of the game. He can still do some damage when playing 10-15 minutes per game, but don’t expect much more than that from him. He’ll stretch the floor a bit with his three-point shooting ability/willingness and can rebound some as well. Defense will be an adventure for him.

Playoffs: As we know, being playable in the regular season and the playoffs are two different beasts. Even if he is serviceable in the regular season, it’s highly unlikely he’ll be able to stay on the court when the games mean more. And that’s okay–as long as Lopez is back. The Bucks were able to roll with three bigs in their rotation last postseason and can do so again as long as all three bigs are healthy.

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