Cousins Playing At A High-Level Could Appease Stars

This right here is the biggest reason why signing DeMarcus Cousins matters for the future of the Houston Rockets. There have been a lot of talks about this being the end of an era for the Houston Rockets and that the roster is going to be torn apart, but if Cousins comes out and is just as dominant as he was pre-injuries, then the Rockets are not going anywhere. 

James Harden and Russell Westbrook are the only two big time scorers on the Rockets roster, maybe you can include Eric Gordon who has been consistent offensively over the last few seasons, but adding a healthy and hungry DeMarcus Cousins could make the Rockets harder to guard. Harden’s iso abilities and Westbrook’s athleticism causes headaches for NBA teams around the league, but imagine adding DeMarcus Cousins’ strength, rebounding, and rim protection to the equation. 

It is a major “if,” but if Cousins comes back and can play at a high-level, then the Rockets have to be considered a playoff team in the Western Conference and a threat to knock off one of the powerhouses in the conference. They probably will not be considered contenders since they do not have much of a second-unit and bench, but three All-Star level talents on one roster makes for competition and a tough team to beat. 

Russell Westbrook and James Harden both are winners and want to win. They are both still in the primes of their careers and do not want to waste the last few years of great basketball they have losing and rebuilding in Houston, which is why they both have reportedly requested a trade. If they see that Cousins can come in and help them win now, both players may be more apt to give the Rockets one more chance. 

This has to be the ultimate goal of the Rockets’ front office. Bringing in a player like DeMarcus Cousins and seeing what he can do after all the injuries he has suffered sends a message to the team that they are still trying to win now, instead of tanking and rebuilding like other teams. Harden, Westbrook and Cousins, fully healthy and determined, could be a scary trio in the Western Conference and could keep the Houston Rockets as a playoff team and an NBA Finals threat.