DeMarcus Cousins Is A Unicorn
DeMarcus Cousins Is A Unicorn
Did DeMarcus Cousins revolutionize the “big man” game?
When DeMarcus Cousins entered the NBA in 2010, he was the unicorn.
He was a big fella, standing at around 6-10 and weighing 260-plus pounds, but was mobile.
Cousins was able to step-back in the mid-range like Paul Pierce, cross up other centers with his quickness, and spin away from defenders like Pascal Siakam.
In addition to that, he was also able to do all of the traditional big man things, too.
He was a proficient post scorer, rebounder, and post defender.
Oh, and Cousins was a really good passer for a center (he averaged 2.5 assists a game in his rookie season).
So, why am I telling you all of these feats about Cousins?
Well, it’s because earlier this week he told Andscape’s Marc J. Spears that he is the “godfather” of modern centers.
“Not to take anything away from anything, Nikola Jokić. He is a one-of-one. When it comes to these modern-day bigs we see today, that we’re praising today, I feel like I’m the godfather.
“I know what I’ve done in this game. I’m the first big getting triple-doubles. I’m [the] first big shooting 3s. I was getting triple-doubles when there was two bigs in the paint, when there was a power forward and a center. I’ve been doing this.”
In a sense, Cousins’ claims are accurate.
He was one of the first big bigs to play like a wing. And he could’ve been the inspiration for some of today’s top modern centers, like Jokic, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Joel Embiid.
But I wouldn’t go as far as calling him the godfather.
The only reason why I say this is because of Chris Webber, whom I believe is the player that revealed to other bigs that they don’t have to strictly play in the post.
Webber, like Cousins, was a big power forward. He was 6-9, 250 pounds. But he was able to move, just like Cousins.
Webber’s skillset was versatile, too. He was able to shoot from the perimeter, attack the basket, play in the post, and pass the ball.
And he also racked up triple-doubles from time to time.
Webber, in the 90s and early 00s, was doing all of these things that traditional power forwards were not supposed to be.
And this is why I think he is the godfather of the modern big man (although Cousins definitely brought back the trend and definitely influenced some of the bigs today).
NBA Newswire
Here are some other intriguing stories from the basketball universe:
Kendrick Lamar Channeled Michael Jordan For His New Album Announcement And Fans Love It
Jerry West seeks apology, retraction from HBO over 'Winning Time' character
Support the Newsletter
REP YOUR TEAM! You can support your team and the Old Man Game Newsletter by clicking here to buy gear from the official NBA Store.
It’ll help the newsletter out because it’s an affiliate link and I will get a small commission, at no extra cost to you, when you make a purchase on the site.
So, thanks in advance!