Grading DeMarcus Cousins’ one-year deal with the Milwaukee Bucks

Analyzing what role DeMarcus Cousins will play for the Milwaukee Bucks

The Bucks understand that they are not getting the DeMarcus Cousins that was one the most formidable center in the NBA. Injuries have unfortunately taken that title away from the veteran, but he will still be an important player for the champs as they try to navigate through early injury woes at the center position.

Of course, there is no current timetable for Lopez to return from his nagging back soreness. He did recently provide an “injury update” by saying he has a return date in mind but would not give out a specific date. This signing indicates that Lopez’s intended date might have been pushed back as the Bucks do not want to rush him back by any means.

Cousins will not be starting for the Bucks, as it would be foolish to take Portis out of the starting five after his incredible stretch of games recently. Instead, he will come off the bench behind the ever-energetic Portis and play somewhere between 10-20 minutes per game. This will help take some of the burden off of Antetokounmpo and Portis, who have played most of their minutes at center this season.

When he checks in, the Bucks will not ask much of Cousins. If he can knock down the occasional outside shot and not be a turnstile at the rim defensively, he will be in good shape. Cousins will bring solid rebounding to a team that currently ranks second in the league in that category, making them all the more formidable on the glass. His role will not be substantial, but it does not need to be for him to flourish with the Bucks.