Should the Nuggets keep DeMarcus Cousins? His impact has been undeniable

On Day 1 of DeMarcus Cousins’ Nuggets tenure, Michael Malone laid his cards on the table.

“We’ll see what happens,” Malone said regarding Cousins’ first 10-day deal. “But I anticipate it going well.”

The comment wasn’t a surprise. We all know about Malone and Cousins’ history from their Sacramento days. Malone is fond of Cousins. Cousins has the utmost respect for Malone. Denver’s coach said earlier this season that it was “crazy” that Cousins wasn’t currently in the NBA. He also signaled rather publicly that he’d like the Nuggets’ front office to add a true center to his roster. Malone hoped Cousins would stick in Denver.

After two 10-day contracts, I don’t know if you can say the Cousines experiment has been a smashing success. Cousins was dealing with a nagging calf injury when he arrived in Denver over two weeks ago. Since then, he’s picked up a foot sprain and has only played in five games. He’s looked out of shape, and even Cousins admitted that it felt like he was running with “cement blocks” on his feet after his debut. Sunday afternoon, he said he still feels like he’s trying to get his body right.

Cousins’ durability is definitely a concern that the Nuggets when thinking about his fit beyond this current 10-day contract which expired today, a source told DNVR.

“Honestly, since I’ve gotten here I’ve been trying to climb uphill with everything,” Cousins said after finishing with 5 points, 9 rebounds and 2 assists in 16 minutes in the Nuggets’ 124-104 win over Brooklyn. “I feel like I’m playing catchup.”

But even while trying to work his body back into playing shape, Cousins has had a positive impact on Denver’s bench. That’s been undeniable. Cousins is averaging seven rebounds in only 13 minutes per game. His 24.1 REB% with the Nuggets ranks first in the NBA, and Cousins has brought a toughness and nastiness to Denver’s second unit that wasn’t there prior his arrival. He changes the feel of the Nuggets’ bench and gives Denver’s reserves an edge.

Denver is 5-0 with Cousins in the lineup with wins over the Nets (twice), Pistons (twice) and Pelicans. He’s provided the Nuggets with a different voice and the veteran has been a willing teacher while in Denver. I’ve watched Cousins coach up Nuggets rookie Bones Hyland on the bench during games and stoppages countless times over the last two weeks. He has also fit perfectly with Zeke Nnaji, who’s the most accurate 3-point shooter in the league and has established himself as the Nuggets’ clear third big. Cousins can muck up the paint while Nnaji snipes 3-pointers from the perimeter.

Cousins has shot just 9-35 (25.7%) from the floor and 3-13 (23.1%) from 3-point range. He’s committed 15 fouls and picked up four technicals while turning the ball over 13 times in 66 total minutes. That’s as many turnovers as Nnaji has all season. Still, Denver’s second unit is much, much better with him than without.

Nikola Jokic, who dominated the Nets Sunday and finished with 27 points (12-15 FG’s), 12 rebounds, 10 assists, 2 steals and 1 block, agrees.

“I think he can help us,” Jokic said. “He’s a big guy who is talented, who can do a bunch of things on the floor. He’s screening guys really well. He’s trying to make the right play. He was injured. He’s coming back from an injury. But I think he can help us.”

“I love him. Before, we were kind of rivals. He’s actually a really good guy. Fun to be around. Great personality. Can get a little bit crazy when the refs don’t go his way. He proved me wrong.”

Cousins has played on two 10-day deals with the Nuggets, but Denver can still sign him to a third. The 31-year-old’s first 10-day contract was a COVID hardship exception, which didn’t count towards Denver’s salary cap. Teams are allowed to sign players to two regular 10-days before either cutting bait or signing that player for the rest of the season. Denver could do either with Cousins, who’s currently occupying a regular roster spot.

Can the Nuggets find a better option at backup center? Maybe, maybe not. But Denver could probably find someone who’s more likely to stay healthy and be available for minutes. That’s a large part of the equation that the Nuggets’ front office has to balance when determining Cousins’ fate.

I think another 10-day with Cousins makes sense. The Nuggets can still look to add a center before next Thursday’s trade deadline if they’re not sold on Cousins. If nothing comes of that, the buyout market is an option later on. From the tone of Cousins and Malone’s postgame comments Sunday, it doesn’t feel like Cousins is a lock to get another 10-day from Denver.

But he’d definitely like one.