DeMarcus Cousins is signing with the Milwaukee Bucks
DeMarcus Cousins signs with the Bucks
DeMarcus Cousins signed with the Milwaukee Bucks for a one-year, non-guaranteed deal. The latest stop makes the Bucks his 5th team in three years. With this, the former All-Star has fully embraced the ring chasing culture in the league.
Injuries derailed Cousins’ career
With the way things have been going for DeMarcus in recent years, it’s easy to forget the big man was once a force to be reckoned with. He was a 4-time All-Star from 2015 to 2018 and was also part of the All-Rookie team. Various injuries have rendered Cousins to be a shell of his former self.
Cousins suffered from a torn ACL and an Achilles tear, which limited his mobility after recovering. The dip in numbers was alarming. Two years before his ACL, Cousins averaged 25.2 points and was voted as All-Star. Since his return in 2020, DeMarcus had not cracked the double-digit average in scoring per Basketball-Reference.
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Cousins embracing the ring chase culture in NBA
The former Sacramento Kings’ 5th pick in the 2010 draft is only 31 years old, but he has been in ring chasing mode ever since he started joining contenders for one-year deals. He was presented with a ring by the Los Angeles Lakers, although he did not play during their title-winning season. The gesture was a recognition of his impact on the Lakers.
At this point of his career, getting one-year deals with contenders works for DeMarcus. Teams will get to determine if there’s anything good left in his game while also freeing themselves from longer contracts should he suffer another season-ending injury. Cousins, on the other hand, will get an opportunity to get back to his rhythm, a chance to show what he’s got and if everything turns out well, maybe get a ring in the process, which will improve his stock the next time he would try to negotiate a new deal with teams.
Players who ring chase are usually at the end of their careers, those legends who want to win one before retiring. They choose to sign shorter deals on limited minutes and lower salaries for a chance to win a championship which has become an obsession in the legacy-centered league.
In Milwaukee, Cousins will allow rest to Giannis Antetokounmpo or Brook Lopez who’s been bothered by back issues this season. The big man will also join a solid roster with championship experience, which means the group already knows what it takes to win it all.
Fans are hoping Cousins will get the opportunities to play with the Bucks. He knows he will not get the minutes he had with the Kings or Pelicans. In Milwaukee, he does not have to play that long. If he can provide quality minutes and help the team win, it could be considered an achievement with or without a ring to Cousins' name.
