Charlotte Hornets: 4 centers still available if depth is needed
By Jason Huber
DeMarcus Cousins, age 31
Despite his all-NBA days being long gone, DeMarcus Cousins can still provide depth to an NBA roster and is currently the best available center remaining in free agency.
Since tearing his Achilles in 2018, Cousins has been nowhere close to the dominating player that he was with the Sacramento Kings his first seven years in the league.
The injuries have continued to pile up as Cousins has bounced from team to team. He tore his quad while playing with the Golden State Warriors in 2019, and then his ACL just a few months later before his first season with the Los Angeles Lakers began.
Cousins was traded to the Houston Rockets last season, playing in 25 games before being waived. He then played in 16 games off the bench with the LA Clippers.
Despite being a big injury risk and an outspoken player, Cousins can provide solid offense and playmaking, which can be hard to find for a center in the NBA.
Cousins averaged 8.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.9 assists last season, which could be a huge boost off the bench in Charlotte.
The only problem is that it seems unlikely a guy like Cousins, who is late in his career and on the downward, would want to be on a team not contending for a title.
However, if he was willing, he could bring veteran leadership and flexibility off the bench.