DeMarcus Cousins is going to make his Warriors debut

SACRAMENTO, CA - DECEMBER 14: DeMarcus Cousins #0 of the Golden State Warriors warms up against the Sacramento Kings on December 14, 2018 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. 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 Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /

The long-awaited arrival of Boogie Cousins is finally happening. Per Warriors coach Steve Kerr, the target date is Jan. 18.

The Golden State Warriors has had an up and down season. They have had to battle the rigors of the regular season, slumps and locker room turmoil. As they are finding out, maintaining a dynasty is not an easy challenge.

But possibly next Friday (Jan. 18) the Warriors chances at winning their third consecutive title will take a substantial leap. DeMarcus “Boogie” Cousins, according to Shams Charania, will shoot to make his Warriors debut and also appear in his first NBA game after a 12 month-long return from an Achilles injury. Initially, Kerr was aiming to incorporate Cousins within the next 20 games, but it appears those plans have changed.

Sources: All-Star DeMarcus Cousins' expected season debut for the Golden State Warriors: Jan. 18 against the Clippers in Los Angeles.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 9, 2019

Cousins’ signing this past summer has appeared to be what it was intended for: insurance for now and the future. When healthy, Cousins is one of the best big men in the league and a Warriors lineup featuring Cousins is sure to cause mayhem for opposing coaches.

While the Warriors will welcome Cousins with open arms, his repaired Achilles will still be the main concern. The Warriors will more-than-likely ease Cousins in with a focus on having him healthy come postseason time. There, a healthy Cousins can alleviate pressure on Steph Curry, Klay Thompson and Kevin Durant offensively, and give the Warriors a true big, allowing Draymond to roam from the post to perimeter defensively.

Of course, we will have to wait to see how everything plays out next Friday and beyond. The Warriors have appeared to return to form and Cousins presence on the court could add new wrinkles. With that said, the Warriors are in a win-win situation with Cousins returning to the floor. If he’s successful out the gate, that gives the Warriors five threats offensively. If he isn’t, they can dial down his minutes and lean on the recipe that’s worked before.

Next. Justise Winslow is in his comfort zone. dark

The Warriors once again proves that true progress is working smarter, not harder.

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