The New Orleans Pelicans have finally a legitimate All-Star in DeMarcus Cousins to pair with Anthony Davis, and The Brow won't let Boogie leave.
Davis spoke with Marc Stein of the New York Times about Cousins' impending free agency and expressed confidence that the injured center will re-sign with the Pelicans this summer.
"I'm pretty confident that he'll stay. From what I hear, he plans on it. But I'm going to keep selling the dream here. I'll be very involved - I want him here," Davis told Stein on Sunday.
The combination of Davis and Cousins formed the league's most devastating frontline. Both players averaged over 25 points and 10 rebounds apiece and were named as starters for the 2018 All-Star Game, putting to rest any concerns that their dominance on the interior would overlap.
It was also promising that the infamously tempestuous Cousins reigned in his outbursts and shared a peaceful partnership with his fellow Kentucky alum. Having escaped Sacramento, Cousins finally found a somewhat stable situation that directed his immense abilities toward producing a winning product. He was on pace to make the playoffs for the first time in his career before a torn Achilles ended his season in late January.
New Orleans was a respectable 27-21 before the injury. Through Davis' sheer brilliance, the Pelicans have improved their record - they're riding a nine-game win streak entering play Wednesday - but Davis is also exhausting himself to continue his team's playoff push.
As Stein notes, the Pelicans were gearing up to give Cousins a five-year, $175-million maximum contract prior to his injury. However, the terms of his new deal will be determined by the course of his recovery. Cousins will only be partly through his rehab when free agency opens July 1.
