All Eyes Are On DeMarcus Cousins’ From Warriors.

Playing in his first NBA game in almost a year, De Marcus Cousins had about as good a Warriors debut as anyone with Golden State couldve hoped for.

He is a great passer, especially at his position, Alvin Gentry, who of course coached Cousins last season with the Pelicans, said on Wednesday before New Orleans took on Golden State.

This is to say nothing of Cousins defense, which isnt his strength, but considering the pieces around him in Golden State, it will be yet another huge asset.

Last year when Cousins went down, New Orleans defense shot near the top of the league.

A league exec told me that was partly because the team was simply more committed to defense without Cousins, who didnt always, shall we say, run back with as much enthusiasm as he lagged behind arguing non-calls.

But heres the deal: The Warriors have Draymond Green, and with Cousins size alone, Green will be more free to roam as a safety to make impromptu switches, jump passing lanes and press out hard on pick-and-roll coverage rather than having to bang around with guys bigger than him all game as a small-ball center.