Anthony Davis won't miss DeMarcus Cousins if he leaves

Apparently the Pelicans won’t miss DeMarcus Cousins if he leaves

NEW ORLEANS, LA - APRIL 19: Anthony Davis #23 of the New Orleans Pelicans and DeMarcus Cousins #0 of the New Orleans Pelicans speak during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers in Game Three of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 19, 2018 at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Would Anthony Davis be better off without DeMarcus Cousins?

When DeMarcus Cousins went down with an Achilles injury earlier last season, it seemed like that was the end of the New Orleans Pelicans’ playoff hopes.

But that was not the case.

Cousins’ injury inspired the best basketball of Anthony Davis’ life, and that is saying something. The big man averaged 30.7 points, 11.9 rebounds, two assists, two steals, and 3.1 blocks per game after Boogie was unavailable, and the Pelicans fought their way to the sixth seed in the Western Conference.

Cousins is a free agent this summer though, and so New Orleans has a decision to make. Do they offer a max contract to a player who probably won’t be fully healthy next season and tie up their cap room? Or do they let him walk and sign with another team? The third scenario would be a sign-and-trade to get back some assets.

All three options are probably on the table.

A league source told Sports Illustrated that “New Orleans didn’t miss him. It’s not even clear he’s a winning player even when he’s healthy.”

Obviously, Davis is the most important player on the team, but it must be noted that Jrue Holiday and Nikola Mirotic were both phenomenal after the injury as well. Also, having two big men with post skills like Davis and Cousins on the court together significantly reduces the space the entire team has to operate. They would’ve been an ideal frontcourt in the 80’s, but the league has changed.

A sign-and-trade is clearly the best path for New Orleans, and it would be perfect if they can get the Washington Wizards to give up Bradley Beal or Otto Porter. John Wall would certainly love to reunite with his former Kentucky Wildcat teammate.

Next: 30 worst NBA playoff teams of all time

Cousins may not be as high profile of a free agent as LeBron James and Paul George, but he’ll still have a huge impact on the shape of the NBA next season.

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