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Could the Trail Blazers fix Cousins?

By Steven Dewald

Mar 9, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) argues a call with referee James Williams (60) during the fourth quarter at Sleep Train Arena. The Cavaliers defeated the Kings 120-111. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 9, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) argues a call with referee James Williams (60) during the fourth quarter at Sleep Train Arena. The Cavaliers defeated the Kings 120-111. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Could DeMarcus Cousins fit with Terry Stotts and the Trail Blazers?

The relationship between the Kings and DeMarcus Cousins is continuing to sour at a rapid rate. It has recently manifested itself in the form of a one game suspension for the talented big man. This current suspension is a result of a shouting match between Cousins and the Kings coach George Karl.

Cousins’ tenure in Sacramento has endured its fair share of ups and downs (mainly downs), which is beginning to raise the question: “Who is to blame?” The former Kentucky center possesses an arsenal of offensive tools, but he has struggled to translate those skills into wins in California’s Capitol. Could he flourish in a more stable situation? A situation like the Terry Stotts led Trail Blazers?

Portland has two things that Cousins has never experienced as a pro. The first of those being, a point guard that is locked in for the future. Damian Lillard is on board for the foreseeable future. Cousins has endured a roller coaster of failed guard experiments in Sacramento. His latest guard pairing is probably his most successful, but it is far from ideal. Rajon Rondo is putting up respectable stats in his first year with the Kings. The downside is that Rondo is a free agent this summer and it is unclear if the Kings will fork over the cash to retain him.

The second thing that Cousins has lacked is a consistent coaching staff. He has played under five different head coaches since coming into the league in 2010. Stotts is in the midst of his fourth season as the Trail Blazers head coach, a role he will likely hold down for years to come (no way Neil Olshey lets him hit the market). Stotts has been a popular coach amongst his players, as he is always putting guys in positions to thrive. This would be a welcome change for Cousins.

Cousins wouldn’t be the only one to benefit from this hypothetical pairing. Portland has been carried by strong guard play this season, but they severely lack an offensive option in the post. Cousins is currently averaging an impressive 27.4 PPG. He would instantly solve the post scoring problem for the Trail Blazers. Along with his post prowess, he has added a respectable three point shot (shooting .341 from deep this season).

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The biggest problem would be on the defensive end, but a solid rim protector would put those concerns to rest quickly. The other problem is the fact that Cousins is under contract until the summer of 2018. It would take a blockbuster trade for the Trail Blazers to bring him into the fold. It would likely take a package of young Portland big men and multiple draft picks to acquire Cousins from the Kings.

The Kings have been reluctant to entertain inquiries about the availability of their star center, but a continued toxic relationship could change that. At some point the Kings will have to look in the mirror and acknowledge they need to reboot (maybe not though, the Sacramento front office is a complete mess). The only way to do that will be moving on from Cousins. Portland would likely be near the top of the list of potential landing spots.

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A “big three” of Lillard, Cousins, and C.J. McCollum would be a strong foundation to build upon. Of course this is all contingent on Cousins ability to turn his attitude around, which is certainly plausible if he is in a stable situation.