Re: Nerlens Noel: Worth the Risk?
Alright here's my case for Cousins:
First of all, the guy is an absolute monster at 6 foot 11 inches, and 270 pounds. Definitely a much more ideal size for the Center position in the NBA. Size is something that really can't be too over-looked as Noel came in weighing 206 pounds. I think he can add at least 30 more pounds but is it really likely he gets to 250? 260? Only time will tell, but his body type is very comparable to a Chris Bosh. What is Noel going to do when facing Hibbert or Cousins or Noah? He's going to have a very tough time preventing deep post position. Cousins has the size to prevent the deep post position, but really has no-where near the ability of Noel when it comes to shot blocking.
Cousins is a blast to watch, just watch a video of Boogie Cousins playing basketball and there's absolutely no way you can say that you wouldn't LOVE to watch that type of talent put on the Wine & Gold. He's only 22, which is a major reason why I'd rather swing a deal for him than to go after a guy like LA, who's just entering his prime at 27. Cousins would have a very nice opportunity to grow with a really young core that he really does fit extremely nicely with. The potential is absolutely astounding with Cousins. Here's a nice exerpt I pulled from a Grantland article from a while back debating on who you'd rather build your team around, Cousins, or Wall.
"And what potential! Assuming he develops at a reasonable rate, Boogie should be good for 18 points and 14 boards a game. He should lead the league every year in offensive rebounds. He should shoot somewhere around 50 percent from the floor and present a matchup nightmare for nearly every team in the league. He can already face up in the post and shoot over defenders. (He doesn't do this particularly well, but just the ability to do this without turning over the ball is a testament to his body control and his feet.) He can score over either shoulder. He can spin to the basket and dunk. He's one of the best offensive rebounders in the league. At the age of 21, he already has the offensive skill set of Zach Randolph and one of three best rebounding noses in the league."
It's literally spot on. Cousins does a lot of things well, offensively he could be the most well rounded C in the league. He scores at an efficient enough rate (shooting percentage isn't fantastic) and this is playing in Sacramento where the weapons he has to utilize are extremely minimal.
I think if we were to bring Cousins to Cleveland it's quite possible playing with a couple of other potential future All-Stars like Kyrie Irivng, Dion Waiters and seeing how hard they work as well as Tristan could bring this guy to life because as I said, his potential is completely undeniable.
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So... Boogie Cousins: Worth the Risk? Most of you think not and I accept that, but don't be as quick to shrug off a potential multiple All-Star kind of guy.
