The Orlando Sentinel: The Big Cuz Cometh

[WillyJakkz]

The Big Cuz Cometh


New Orlando Magic Franchise C DeMarcus Cousins

In the footsteps of Hall of Famer C Shaquille O'neal and former Magician C supreme Dwight Howard, your Orlando Magic (behind the wizardy of GM WillyJakkz) have completed a blockbuster deal that secured their new franchise C in DeMarcus Cousins for what they feel could be an explosive duo similar to the Shaq and Kobe Los Angeles Lakers of the late 1990's to the early 2000's that garnered three championships in a row.

"Well that's just a pipedream as our intent is to hopefully be successful and put ourselves in a position to be able to compete for a championship and I strongly feel this move puts us on that course", stated Head Coach Jeff Van Gundy while GM WillyJakkz said, "I felt we needed a lift and not just merely lineup changes cause I'm looking at the climate of the League and our Division in particular and the Hornets and Hawks came ready for war, in basketball terms, and I stated when we made the move to trade Larry Sanders and Doug McDermott for Gordon Hayward and RJ Hunter that it would be a step back before we're able to take a step forward as my plan and focus prior to that trade and throughout the season was to get DeMarcus in a Magic uniform and the plan came to fruition.... now we just have to execute it on the floor". When asked if there were any more moves coming, Jakkz simply smiled and stated, "We may have one more move coming soon."

Orlando shipped out SF Gordon Hayward, G RJ Hunter, C Roy Hibbert, along with their 2018 and 2020 1st Rd Picks (both Top 23 Protected) in exchange for C DeMarcus Cousins and PF Chris Bosh who'll be a welcome addition to the veteran-laden bench of GF Joe Johnson and FC Nene.

"I'm very optimistic about the new journey awaiting both DeMarcus and myself here in Orlando", said Bosh.

The trade did not go without its strange and awkward moments as evidently the agent of C Roy Hibbert had not informed his client of the trade (rumored due to his drunkenness after the New Year rolling around) and Roy actually attended Magic practice where he was informed of the trade after Cousins arrived to the facility.

Magic Superstar Paul George was caught off guard as well when our cameras arrived in the locker room.

Paul George: Say what...? Aw man...um... hold on we did what?... They traded Roy and Gordon and the young fella for Big Cuz huh... I wasn't aware of what was happening, all I heard about was the DeAndre Jordan thing and I thought he was comin' but after that we were just focusing on gettin' a win actually cause it's been a grind so far but yeah... uh... well dang, Roy is gonna feel real salty about finding out like this from you guys but it is what it is. That said I'm a miss Gordon, that was my guy and I felt me and him kinda clicked well and just started figuring each other out but Cuz is very talented and I think we might be able to make something special happen for the city and the franchise and I'm looking forward to seeing how coach plans to use us together... Honestly just thinkin' about it has got me pretty damn anxious going against Philly tomorrow then Dallas the night after that so yeah... I'm anxious.

As for Cousins the feeling was mutually akward as well.

DeMarcus Cousins: I walked in and was like stunned to see him sittin' there at the locker. It was awkward but at the same time kinda funny to see the guys lookin' at me like, "What he doin' here?"... but um... I'm ready to get to work cause there's been alot of negative things said about me and my success level in this League but at the same time I been in some awkard situations like Houston with me and Dwight BOTH in the middle... that didn't make any sense so it was hard to play my game, Golden State it really was just me and Steph, same thing in Portland and guys gotta understand the Western Conference is a BEAST conference but I felt I did my part to help those teams. Same thing in Milwaukee with me and Greg and honestly I thought we played pretty damn well together when I wasn't hurt, same in Miami we was startin' to get a few wins together but it was tough and now I'm in a position where it won't be alot of fighting over the rock... it's gonna be "get Paul the rock, move outta his damn way" or "get DeMarcus the rock and get the hell outta his way"... we got some shooters in Joe, I know he can shoot that thang, so can Mario, and so can Luke, so can Paul and I feel like me and Gorgui and Nene and Chris and Powell gonna hold down the post so I think we gonna be straight, we got some good games comin' up to test us and see where we at so I'm down for the challenge...

The Magic go on the road to take on the Philadelphia 76ers led by scoring machine Jabari Parker then follow that game up with their first home game featuring the new look Magic vs the Dallas Mavericks led by a red-hot Lance Stephenson and their big fella Walter Tavares to conclude the back to back.

The starters project to be Mario Chalmers, Paul George, Luke Babbitt, Gorgui Dieng, and DeMarcus Cousins.

[KW]

I have to say I'm extremely surprised by this trade. All this time, you've been surrounding PG with low-usage guys who either defend or space the floor. To see you trade several guys who more or less fit that archetype for a super-high-usage big man who shoots a ton from the inside and isn't particularly good defensively was definitely unexpected. This is a very-high-risk move, though if PG and DMC manage to learn how to play together despite little to no spacing around them, it'll be a really scary thought what they'd do with a 3-point shooting supporting cast.

There's a lot of boom/bust potential with DeMarcus wherever he goes, possibly more than any other player in the CSL.

[WillyJakkz]

I have to say I'm extremely surprised by this trade. All this time, you've been surrounding PG with low-usage guys who either defend or space the floor. To see you trade several guys who more or less fit that archetype for a super-high-usage big man who shoots a ton from the inside and isn't particularly good defensively was definitely unexpected. This is a very-high-risk move, though if PG and DMC manage to learn how to play together despite little to no spacing around them, it'll be a really scary thought what they'd do with a 3-point shooting supporting cast.

There's a lot of boom/bust potential with DeMarcus wherever he goes, possibly more than any other player in the CSL.

I have to admit I'm surprised myself because despite moderate League success (even with 2 titles) I am in awe and just don't have the guts guys like you, Black Ice (moreso than anyone), and Dennis etc, and even the newer guys like 8time to make some of the franchise player moves you guys make. I perform with a comfortability level in getting certain personnel to fit a certain mold to form a team (as is the case here as well) but I'm at my best with a strong SG wing player and swiss army knife SF fitted by shooters and typically one strong rebounder.

The challenge of getting a tremendous player like Cousins who is a post player which I've never built a team around is something I have been wanting to do so I set out this season to either trade for Cuz or cut enough salary to pursue him in FA which was a huge risk but I wanted a Kobe Shaq duo, a real Kobe and Shaq duo (potentially) to see if I could figure out how to maximize them together and I accomplished my goal of getting DMC.

The goal now is for George with 84 SCR 86 DEF to play the same all around on identical touches (low-mid 20ish range) Cousins with 76 SCR 92 ORB 75 DEF to clean up misses for extra possessions and score at a high rate in the post (18ish shots) while playing great post DEF with Gorgui Dieng 49 SCR 80 ORB 77 DEF 78 BLKS to also help on offensive glass for extra shots for George or Cuz and play great defense while Mario 51 SCR and Babbitt 38 SCR and Joe Johnson 57 SCR .500 from downtown take 3' to prevent zoning.

Will see but a new challenge nonetheless but that's the hope.

[Silogical]

I like the risk/reward the george/hayward team capped at the 2nd/3rd round. This move could really improve ORLs offense without hurting their defense. It also has high risk, but if cousins fails in orlando no one is going to want to sign him so he could come back cheap and just become a role player.

[Chilikonkarne]

Babbitt getting a team is a surprise but getting a starting 5 position is an even bigger one
Would follow-up closely the first games as I am really intrigued how it will work out. Bosh from the bench could do some dammages

[mgtr81]

Always a risk to trade for a player who is in the last year of his contract, but well done. I feel the same about the conservative approach regarding trades. It seems Cousins was having a bad year compared with previous seasons, specially offensively, so maybe a change of scenario will help him.

[andrei]

Yeah Babbit in the starting lineup is something that we can potentially help with

[Rizzo]

Based on pure ratings alone, Paul George and DeMarcus Cousins should be the top duo in the league. The task on Willy's shoulders now is to get the most out of Cousins while still being able to win. Cousins has shown unable to do that throughout his entire career in here in the CSL.

[Sun Scorched]

Cousins is too large, has needed some weight loss during TC for some time. And with any dominant post presence, you need to be sure you have shooters on the perimeter to limit the inevitable "9" zone that you'll face in the playoffs, perhaps PG is enough?

[bt]

It's possible to keep riding PG though and just give DC whatever comes. Doesn't have to be single post with the zone threat.

[Jaboo]

I will be watching this mve closely. From the outside I think it will screw your team up, but I could be wrong.

[emplep7]

I'm in the same boat as everyone else as I'm really interested to see how this affects your team. DMC will take away the all important touches from PG, but we will see how he stacks up.

[Beercloud]

Big move for Orlando.
Both Charlotte and Orlando make big moves this season as they're both trying to one up each other.
Final chapter in a few months to see who ends up being the boss of the Southeast.

[GreenBear]

I don't have anything new to add that wasn't already said above, but I'm looking forward to seeing how it works out in Orlando.

[blackice]

If everything clicks, we have our CSL version of the Shaq/Kobe Lakers. It's been working so far, hopefully it continues.

[WillyJakkz]

George 38.5pts 9.5rebs 6asts 3stls .562 FG% .583 3pt%
Cousins 23.5pts 11.5rebs 1.5blks .558 FG%

2 game average vs DAL (Stephenson Tavares) PHILLY (Brown Kaun Noel)

Hope to be able to continue with their play vs Monta Ellis Jonas Valanciunas which should be a great test.

[KW]

The goal now is for George with 84 SCR 86 DEF to play the same all around on identical touches (low-mid 20ish range) Cousins with 76 SCR 92 ORB 75 DEF to clean up misses for extra possessions and score at a high rate in the post (18ish shots) while playing great post DEF with Gorgui Dieng 49 SCR 80 ORB 77 DEF 78 BLKS to also help on offensive glass for extra shots for George or Cuz and play great defense while Mario 51 SCR and Babbitt 38 SCR and Joe Johnson 57 SCR .500 from downtown take 3' to prevent zoning.

Will see but a new challenge nonetheless but that's the hope.

Hope you're right, because my clusterfuck of a first season went downhill because of Cousins. Took way too many shots, got in foul trouble, didn't defend, and failed to step up once Howard got hurt and he was the clear #2 guy. He's better now than he was back then but still a very high-maintenance player in terms of getting him to play winning basketball. Maybe if your roster looks like DMC/3&D/Paul George/3&D/3&D things will look better.

[WillyJakkz]

The goal now is for George with 84 SCR 86 DEF to play the same all around on identical touches (low-mid 20ish range) Cousins with 76 SCR 92 ORB 75 DEF to clean up misses for extra possessions and score at a high rate in the post (18ish shots) while playing great post DEF with Gorgui Dieng 49 SCR 80 ORB 77 DEF 78 BLKS to also help on offensive glass for extra shots for George or Cuz and play great defense while Mario 51 SCR and Babbitt 38 SCR and Joe Johnson 57 SCR .500 from downtown take 3' to prevent zoning.

Will see but a new challenge nonetheless but that's the hope.

Hope you're right, because my clusterfuck of a first season went downhill because of Cousins. Took way too many shots, got in foul trouble, didn't defend, and failed to step up once Howard got hurt and he was the clear #2 guy. He's better now than he was back then but still a very high-maintenance player in terms of getting him to play winning basketball. Maybe if your roster looks like DMC/3&D/Paul George/3&D/3&D things will look better.

Didn't you have Iggy at that point? I definitely recall Harden Iggy Parsons Howard, remembered you trading Parsons + for Cuz.

I ask because trying to figure out team dynamic SCR rating-wise as it seems Harden's superior SCR supercedes Cousins so not sure what other factors involved but seems like all stops Cuz had other high or above avg SCR players involved.

[8timechamp]

George 38.5pts 9.5rebs 6asts 3stls .562 FG% .583 3pt%
Cousins 23.5pts 11.5rebs 1.5blks .558 FG%

2 game average vs DAL (Stephenson Tavares) PHILLY (Brown Kaun Noel)

Hope to be able to continue with their play vs Monta Ellis Jonas Valanciunas which should be a great test.

I'll set your sub matrix next sim you sent me.

Just pointing out, any team that trades me a superstar will regret it. That's why I'm rebuilding my team to be a powerhouse.

You give me any superstar and the league is over. #username #tipsy

[KW]

The goal now is for George with 84 SCR 86 DEF to play the same all around on identical touches (low-mid 20ish range) Cousins with 76 SCR 92 ORB 75 DEF to clean up misses for extra possessions and score at a high rate in the post (18ish shots) while playing great post DEF with Gorgui Dieng 49 SCR 80 ORB 77 DEF 78 BLKS to also help on offensive glass for extra shots for George or Cuz and play great defense while Mario 51 SCR and Babbitt 38 SCR and Joe Johnson 57 SCR .500 from downtown take 3' to prevent zoning.

Will see but a new challenge nonetheless but that's the hope.

Hope you're right, because my clusterfuck of a first season went downhill because of Cousins. Took way too many shots, got in foul trouble, didn't defend, and failed to step up once Howard got hurt and he was the clear #2 guy. He's better now than he was back then but still a very high-maintenance player in terms of getting him to play winning basketball. Maybe if your roster looks like DMC/3&D/Paul George/3&D/3&D things will look better.

Didn't you have Iggy at that point? I definitely recall Harden Iggy Parsons Howard, remembered you trading Parsons + for Cuz.

I ask because trying to figure out team dynamic SCR rating-wise as it seems Harden's superior SCR supercedes Cousins so not sure what other factors involved but seems like all stops Cuz had other high or above avg SCR players involved.

I traded Asik and a pick for Ryan Anderson and Aminu, then traded Parsons, Lin, Beverley, and other pieces for Cousins, and traded pieces for Granger (shitty chucker) and Collison. I had Howard/Cousins/Aminu/Granger/Harden with Anderson, Collison, and others on the bench. Howard and Cousins had initial struggles playing together, sort of figured it out, by staggering minutes, and then Howard got hurt, leaving me with a Cousins/Anderson Frontline. That was awful on defense. We missed the playoffs as a result. That summer, I traded Cousins and Collison for Iguodala and Oladipo, which was a massive success.