Ricky Davis. Vin Baker. Stephon Marbury. Nate Robinson. Chad Ochocinco. Corey Dillon. Randy Moss. Albert Haynesworth. Josh Becket. The list could go on.
Boston fans have seen their fair share of troubled players and questionable personalities. Some have succeeded; Moss, Dillon. Some have failed; Haynesworth, Baker. Some have been a combination of both; Robinson, Becket, Marbury.
Each player has had their own issues throughout their careers, but there’s always been a common theme. These players continued to get chances, not only in Boston, but elsewhere around the league. That is for one reason.
They can help a team win.
Another name, whose rap sheet that would scare away even the most lenient of general managers, may soon join the list.
DeMarcus Cousins has been suspended indefinitely by the Sacramento Kings for conduct detrimental to the team. This comes as a result of an argument that ensued between he and his coach, Keith Smart, during halftime of Friday’s game against the Clippers. This is just the latest infraction by Cousins.
The former fifth pick in the 2010 NBA draft has had a checkered background dating back to his high school playing days, but the talent is evident. He is averaging 16.6 points per game and 9.5 rebounds per game.
With the Celtics in desperate need of a big man, Cousins could be the answer. It’s hard to imagine the Kings retaining Cousins after this latest suspension, and his asking price may be as low as it will ever be. The Kings organization is in a state of dysfunction, and dealing him away can bring some relief.
In contrast to some of the other post players the Celtics could target like Marcin Gortat, Anderson Varejao, and Josh Smith; Cousins would be the easiest to financially deal for. Cousins is making $3.8 million this season.
Boston’s trade package would conceivably center around Avery Bradley. Draft picks and cash could also be included to sweeten the deal.
The biggest question for Celtics’ General Manager, Danny Ainge, would be whether Cousins is worth the risk. As currently assembled, the Celtics do not stand to compete for a championship. Doc Rivers has reverted to starting Jason Collins out of necessity for a center.
Cousins would completely change the dynamic of this team. With Kevin Garnett and Cousins in the frontcourt, Boston would have two legitimate offensive options in the post. The former University of Kentucky star would also improve Boston’s NBA low 38.5 rpg.
The biggest issue with Cousins would be managing his personality. Rivers has developed a reputation for handling players in need of guidance. Rivers’ 13-year NBA career would allow him to relate better to Cousins than previous coaches.
Boston’s locker room is also filled with veteran leadership. Paul Pierce, Jason Terry, and Garnett could provide the mentors Cousins has lacked in Sacramento. The Kings roster only has two players older than 30, while Boston has six.
Cousins has yet to be part of a winning season in Sacramento. The continuous losing culture can take its toll on a younger player. The move to Boston, and a chance to compete could drive Cousins into the dominating force many believe he can be.
If Boston is going to win a championship this year, this is the type of move that has to be made.
It may backfire in the end, but at least Ainge took the chance to bring another banner to Boston.