DMC wants Trade or Max

[Deivy202]

I want this guy badly.

[WizarDynasty]

all i gotta say is leonsis, do the trade. this is far from a blatche case. We are talking about a hardworker who has the same heart deep down inside that Wall has towards basketball.
Cousins is going to eventually end up with the wizards either next year or when his contract ends with the sacramento kings.
any real basketball fan can see the instant chemistry these two guys have on the court. It's reminds me john stockton Karl Malone.
Better to have him develop his chemistry now with wall than waste 4 years of them developing together becuase Cousins is coming here like it or not. Either through trade or when his contract with Sacramento Kings ends. You are not going to separate these two much longer no matter what. One is going to bolt for the other and its much likely going to be cousins.
A front court and backcourt player with the same fire basketball heart is a beautiful thing to see. Not only do they match either in term so heart, but they match each other in terms of style. They are going to be together on same team eventually be it the wizards, or a team like Miami. contracts are only going to separate them for so long .

[BarnabyJones]

I don't think he's necessarily max-money level but I don't think he's as bad/cancerous as people make him out to be.

+1

If he's available, the Zards need to try to get him.

[nate33]

I don't think he's necessarily max-money level but I don't think he's as bad/cancerous as people make him out to be.

+1

If he's available, the Zards need to try to get him.

Yup.

The big knock on Cousins is his poor efficiency. I think that's both overstated, and relatively easy to correct. Cousins posted a TS% of .524 last season, which isn't particularly good, but it's not dreadfully bad either. The Wizards as a whole posted a TS% of .512 last year (which ranked 27th). Cousins may not be that efficient, but him taking shots is a better option than an average Wizard taking shots. He would displace Okafor, who had a TS% of .496 last year.

But more importantly, the primary reason for Cousins' mediocre efficiency is that he takes too many jumpers. That doesn't seem like all that difficult of a problem to fix. Cousins attempted 259 shots from 16-23 feet last year. If he played exactly like he did last year, only cut his number of 16-23 foot attempts in half, he would post a respectable TS% of .547 while still averaging 19 points per game. Those numbers would result in him leading the team in scoring while having the 2nd best TS% among the regular rotation players (second only to Webster).

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

Cousins is as close to a 20/10 big man this league has, draws fouls, passes extremely well, plays defense, rebounds and has improved steadily across the board all 3 seasons. The only on-court issues would be that he's inefficient and fouls too much. I'd say he's the big-man equivalent of Wall. The holes in his game are there but he's clearly working on it, and what he does well in he does very well (Rebounding).

I don't think he's necessarily max-money level but I don't think he's as bad/cancerous as people make him out to be.

Thanks, pancakes.

Cousins can have an even better career than Zach Randolph. He doesn't shoot it as efficiently yet, but his efficiency would soar with an elite facilitator setting him up, as Wall would do. Cousins is a load on the boards and he is still just 22 years old. He is a top-3 rebounder who can handle and pass exceptionally well. After three seasons he has improved his two point FG percentage. He is not a shot jacker. (Forces shots, takes two or three bad ones, gets some blocked--but Cousins is not a high-volume shooter)

Cousins gets 20/12 per 36
http://www.basketball-reference.com/pla ... ide01.html

He needs the Wizards because even Beal has a level-headed, strong personality. Nene is the mentor Cousins needs. Wittman will challenge him and IMO has the exact right personality to coach Boogie.

The bottom line is does Wall want Cousins?

[montestewart]

^
Anyone know why Cousins was taking so many long twos? Bad coaching, or maybe he was just tuning his coaches out? I'd hate to have another Blatche-type situation where he refuses to (or is simply unable to make himself) work closer to the basket, reducing his effectiveness. Sure he's much more talented than Blatche, but if he doesn't improve on his efficiency and keeps up with the long twos (and TOs, and PFs) and he faces some adversity, maybe some booing, maybe some teammates in his face, how will he handle it?

Don't give up two 1sts (or at least make the second heavily protected far into the future) just in case the experiment of pairing Cousins with his spiritual soulmate, Vesely, doesn't work out so well. Oh wait, maybe Vesely can go to Sacramento.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

I don't think he's necessarily max-money level but I don't think he's as bad/cancerous as people make him out to be.

+1

If he's available, the Zards need to try to get him.

Yup.

The big knock on Cousins is his poor efficiency. I think that's both overstated, and relatively easy to correct. Cousins posted a TS% of .524 last season, which isn't particularly good, but it's not dreadfully bad either. The Wizards as a whole posted a TS% of .512 last year (which ranked 27th). Cousins may not be that efficient, but him taking shots is a better option than an average Wizard taking shots. He would displace Okafor, who had a TS% of .496 last year.

But more importantly, the primary reason for Cousins' mediocre efficiency is that he takes too many jumpers. That doesn't seem like all that difficult of a problem to fix. Cousins attempted 259 shots from 16-23 feet last year. If he played exactly like he did last year, only cut his number of 16-23 foot attempts in half, he would post a respectable TS% of .547 while still averaging 19 points per game. Those numbers would result in him leading the team in scoring while having the 2nd best TS% among the regular rotation players (second only to Webster).

Exactly, nate.

On a team with Beal, probably with Webster, and with the ball in Wall's hands most of the time; Cousins won't be shooting jumpers for a multitude of reasons. There would be better options on the wings than DeMarcus. Defenders would be forced to try and stop Wall. Cousins would have more opportunities near the rim. Boogie would not have the ball except by design.

I think even his jumper would be a higher percentage shot than in the past.

[Pitbull]

As I mentioned in the trade thread, I'd want Cousins even if it took Beal to get him (and I love Bradley!). In that event, we keep the third pick and grab Oladipo.

The case for Cousins has been made by Nate and CCJ far more eloquently than I could ever hope. The kid has elite level talent. Who else on our team could even sniff 36 and 22 or 31 and 20 in a game?!?! I don't care what team they played on!

Having said that, I think Leonsis and EG like the mental make-up of the team and this is where Porter fits the bill as a safe, hard working, intelligent, well-rounded player. Are they willing to risk it? I don't think so.

[popper]

They are not going to trade Cousins. The new ownership has already stated that he is the cornerstone of their rebuild. Their fans would explode in anger if they traded him. IMO he will get the max before the deadline and they will keep him another year at least to see how he performs. They can always trade him next year if they want.

[Geaux Wiz]

I think the Wizards need Cousins. If he was in this draft he'd likely be the top choice. Even with drafting Porter, unless Wall suddenly gets on the Lebron James level, they can't expect to ever be above a #4 seed without some help down low. Cousins would instantly put the Wizards in contention for a title. I'd be fine with giving 3rd+Okafor(or Nene)+any combination of Booker/Ves/Singleton/Seraphin

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

At least not right away IMO, popper, they won't trade DeMarcus. I bet they will midseason if their record is bad and Cousins clowns on the new coach. He can force their hand.

Midseason might be the time Okafor's and Ariza's deals start to look more appealing in trade talks with Sacramento.

[montestewart]

At least not right away IMO, popper, they won't trade DeMarcus. I bet they will midseason if their record is bad and Cousins clowns on the new coach. He can force their hand.

Midseason might be the time Okafor's and Ariza's deals start to look more appealing in trade talks with Sacramento.

I hope EG doesn't impulsively show his hand to the league and set himself up to get taken again. Hopefully, The Wizards take their time in pursuing Cousins, as one of multiple options for how to use picks, prospects, and expirings. Who knows, maybe by midseason one or more of Singleton, Vesely, or Seraphin will actually look significantly better than last year and have some value (or at least not as much negative value) in a trade.

[dobrojim]

true Cousins would displace Okafor for minutes and it's not hard to document that
he could be an improvement offensively, especially if he is reigned in on his
longer jumpers but I think it could end up being about a wash for the team
when you factor in his defense. He is simply not worth a max contract when
there are reasonable questions about his net impact not to mention his
personality.

Why give up assets now if you really do want him when he might be signed
as a FA in the near future?

[Geaux Wiz]

Everyone also remember that Roy Hibbert and Brook Lopez received max contracts. Big men aren't cheap

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

At least not right away IMO, popper, they won't trade DeMarcus. I bet they will midseason if their record is bad and Cousins clowns on the new coach. He can force their hand.

Midseason might be the time Okafor's and Ariza's deals start to look more appealing in trade talks with Sacramento.

I hope EG doesn't impulsively show his hand to the league and set himself up to get taken again. Hopefully, The Wizards take their time in pursuing Cousins, as one of multiple options for how to use picks, prospects, and expirings. Who knows, maybe by midseason one or more of Singleton, Vesely, or Seraphin will actually look significantly better than last year and have some value (or at least not as much negative value) in a trade.

Word, monte. This +1,000,000.

EG should not express any interest. He should say he cannot comment on another team's roster. If the Kings call they will answer the phone.

The best thing would be to wait and see what other teams offer for Cousins. (I imagine his friend John Wall would suggest Boogie wait for any counter-offer(s) before blessing a deal. . The Kings could rush to deal but they already know who wants him the most. They will canvas the league for trade destinations before any deal.

Bargain from strength and if outbidding is feasible then that's what Grunfeld should do.

[hands11]

I'd be patient. He's killing his trade value right now, which could work out well for us.

Unlikely scenario but could be possible.....

Draft Noel at #3.

Resign Webster.

Mid season trade Vesely, Seraphin & 2014 unprotected for Cousins and Isiah Thomas.

This assumes we haven't suffered crazy injuries and are playing at a 5-8 seed level.

Cousins learns under Nene & Okafor for half a season and Noel recovers.

Then we let Okariza walk and roll with...

Wall, Thomas
Beal, _____
Webster, _____
Cousins, Nene, _____
Noel, Nene, _____

Not a bad unit. Obviously the missing pieces are 3 & D types at 2/3 from cheap FAs and our 2nd rounders, etc.

Dreaming? Yup.

I don't see that as a winning front court with Cousins and Noel. To young. To immature. Not enough BBIQ and skill. If you want Cousins, you need to have players like Nene and Okafor for at least 2-3 years. Way to much risk.

[hands11]

Cousins isn't getting the max. And frankly I don't want him if he wants the max. He's done nothing to earn it. You would be basically rewarding his terrible behavior and a team wouldn't have a leg to stand on if he continues to act up.

You don't give a player a max contract and hope they grow up.

Hell, most here didn't even want to give Wall max until he proved it. No way you do it for Cousins.

I think Cousins is a player to keep on the radar and one day, he will likely be a very good player. With Cousins, its all going to come down to timing.

I wouldn't do the start this off season, but it might be something to consider at the trade deadline if they can do a sign and trade. Then you know what you are committing too.

[80sballboy]

This isn't fantasy basketball. There's something called chemistry. Look at the Spurs and Heat and then look at other teams like the Knicks. Guys have to able to sacrifice a little bit of their stats for the belief of the team. Do you see Cousins ever doing that? With Wittman as coach? Why go backwards? Let's go forward. Noel or Porter. Don't give up the third pick.

[spaceman_E]

This isn't fantasy basketball. There's something called chemistry. Look at the Spurs and Heat and then look at other teams like the Knicks. Guys have to able to sacrifice a little bit of their stats for the belief of the team. Do you see Cousins ever doing that? With Wittman as coach? Why go backwards? Let's go forward. Noel or Porter. Don't give up the third pick.

Geez, if only Cuz could ever do that. I mean, it's not like he sacrificed and relegated himself to 3rd fiddle just to win a championship about 3 years ago......


If the Wiz could get this deal done for #3 + one or two of the young guys and they DON'T do it, Ernie will have earned being fired for about the 4th or 5th time, I've lost track by now. So at least we could be thankful that he'd have used up another life.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

Cousins isn't getting the max. And frankly I don't want him if he wants the max. He's done nothing to earn it. You would be basically rewarding his terrible behavior and a team wouldn't have a leg to stand on if he continues to act up.

You don't give a player a max contract and hope they grow up.

Hell, most here didn't even want to give Wall max until he proved it. No way you do it for Cousins.

I think Cousins is a player to keep on the radar and one day, he will likely be a very good player. With Cousins, its all going to come down to timing.

I wouldn't do the start this off season, but it might be something to consider at the trade deadline if they can do a sign and trade. Then you know what you are committing too.

I agree with all this. Also, get him for what McGee received, much less than the max--if possible.

Tell DMC he needs to be a team guy like James and Bosh when they joined the Heat. Both took a pay cut. DMC needs to come correct not at all IMO. He's going to make five times more, at least, than his rookie deal $. Why be greedy or egotistical and insist on max when he's IMO not there, yet?

Get the guy for less than Okafor or Nene money but at least McGee money.