The New Orleans Pelicans were on the rise with two All-stars and a fairly straight path into the low seeds in the playoffs. That path may be covered up now as All-Star center DeMarcus Cousins is out for the season with an Achilles tear.
DeMarcus Cousins Out for Remainder of Season
After landing awkwardly on his left leg, Cousins went down and was taken off the floor quickly. Early reports of a feared torn Achilles were confirmed by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
DeMarcus Cousins has suffered a torn left Achilles tendon, league sources tell ESPN. He will miss the rest of the season. The MRI is coming soon, but diagnosis is clear.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 27, 2018
“Boogie” Cousins was currently in his best season of his career averaging 24.4 points, 12.9 rebounds and 5.2 assists per game. He earned a spot on Team LeBron James in the upcoming All-Star game as well.
The Future for DeMarcus Cousins
His contract expires this off-season, which led to much speculation recently about potential trade destinations before the deadline passes. Teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers and even the Los Angeles Lakers were tied to him in trade talks. Although his season is over, he can still be traded, but for much less than he is worth. The big decision he will have to make is whether or not to test free agency coming off of a serious injury like this one.
Reality Setting in New Orleans
The Pelicans now face a serious issue on offense where Boogie had been providing a much-needed boost to their total scores. Anthony Davis will now have to return to his original big-man role and defend the basket more directly. The Pelicans are currently 27-21 and 6th in the West. The team has won four in a row and are only one game back of the Oklahoma City Thunder for the 5th seed.
An estimated timetable for a full return is six months, which will end up right in the heart of free agency and trade movements.
Main Photo
CHICAGO, USA – NOVEMBER 4: DeMarcus Cousins (0) of New Orleans Pelicans in action during an NBA Game between Chicago Bulls and New Orleans Pelicans at the United Center in Chicago, IL, United States on November 4, 2017. (Photo by Bilgin S. Sasmaz/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)
