Steve Kerr Envisions DeMarcus Cousins Playing ‘David West Role’ Upon Return

Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr has what could be called a “good problem” when DeMarcus Cousins returns from his Achilles injury later this season. After winning their second title in three seasons, the Warriors strengthened their roster with the signing of Cousins to a one-year, $5.3 million contract. Given their success with the small ball death lineup known as the Hampton Five, the addition of the four-time All-Star could only improve their chances of getting another ring this season. 

Kerr will be tasked with striking the right balance where the first team can start off strong and the second team can pick up from where they left off. In order for that latter squad to find success, they will need an anchor, and that’s where Cousins could prove to be most valuable. “I think you’ll see us use him in that David West role from the last couple years, when David anchored the second unit,” Kerr said in an appearance on Tolbert & Lund. “I think you’ll see us play through DeMarcus once he’s back, and we’ll put him on the low block and have guys cutting around him.”

Of course, Kerr knows there’s a place for him alongside Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, Kevin Durant, and Draymond Green. He foresees Boogie being most deadly as a five who can execute the pick-and-pop. “The other thing that we can do that we haven’t really had a big capable of doing since I’ve been here, is putting him in some high screens and popping him out to the three-point line,” he said. “He’s a really good three-point shooter; he’s got amazing soft hands, soft touch, and then he can pass from out there too.” 

Hopefully the rest of the league is taking notes. Also, good luck.