The Houston Rockets just released Demarcus Cousins. Cousins is a 4 time All-Star who has been battling through injuries during the past couple of seasons. He expressed an issue with his lack of minutes behind Christian Wood on the Rockets, so it seems like he is looking for a starting role with a solid amount of minutes. Cousins is playing decently, averaging just under 10 points on the season but has had 4 double digit scoring games in a row with Wood sidelined with an ankle injury. There are multiple teams looking for a quality center and some teams might view him as a bench player while others might see him as their starter.
Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics brought Tristan Thompson in from free agency to help with a center position that has no proven starter. The Celtics have Thompson, Theis, and Robert Williams all getting minutes at center so adding Cousins might give the Celtics to many centers. Cousins is arguably better than all of these guys at center, and with the Celtics moving Thompson primarily to power forward Cousins could get the starting spot at center. Cousins can rebound better than Theis and Williams, and gives the Celtics a decent scoring option in the paint and at the three point line. The Celtics have not fixed their problem at center, so giving Cousins a shot is worth it.
Toronto Raptors
The Toronto Raptors are starting Aaron Baynes at center. That should be enough to make the Raptors do as much as possible to get an upgrade at center. Baynes is grabbing as many rebounds as point guard Kyle Lowry, and only scoring 5 ppg. This level of talent in the center room is going to let the Raptors down at some point, and they must address it this season. There have been rumors they are chasing Andre Drummond in the trade market, but Cousins adds a low risk vetran option who can still produce at a decent level. Cousins is an immediate upgrade over Baynes, and the Raptors should take a long look at Cousins during their search for a center.
Brooklyn Nets
The Brooklyn Nets went all in on James Harden, and in doing so they gave up their starting center in Jarrett Allen. Now the Nets are relying on Deandre Jordan and Jeff Green to get it done at center, and in a division with Joel Embiid and Giannis Antetekumpo this team needs an upgrade at center. With all their trade chips pushed into the Harden trade, they need to look at the market and Cousins is by far the best option. He gives the Nets veterans who can contribute to a win now team.
Demarcus Cousins will find a team for the remainder of the 2021 season, and while these three teams have the biggest need for a center such as Cousins there are many other spots he could land.
Top Image: RocketsWire/Ben DuBose