NBA trade season is coming upon us, mostly because as of this past week, just about everyone can be traded. The NBA does trade season better than any other sport, in part because of the organic reality that one guy can make a major difference on the fortunes of a basketball team the way no individual can have in other sports.
So basically, you’re going to see the same names bandied about. It’s like The Oscars with movies you’ve never heard of but all the hoity toity folks says are worth watching. Big men are the “English Patient” of NBA trade chips annually.
Get ready, because you’re about to hear two of the biggest and baddest thrown about as they are almost annually no matter what: Dwight Howard and Demarcus “Boogie” Cousins.
Tip to your local general manager: take the phone off the hook.
I think it’s former Indiana basketball coach and current Indianapolis radio host Dan Dakich where I heard it first … but the term “good enough to get you fired” applies to both.
First, Cousins.
From college to (George) Karl, Cousins has had issues with every coach he’s had. Yeah, he’s an immense talent, but look, George Karl or Paul Westphal or John Calipari are not the same dude. All had issues with Cousins. A lot of winning is from the neck up.
Hell, I’ve learned this plenty through coaching. If you have a guy that’s hanging off the edge of the canoe, there’s a good chance it tips. There’s an especially good chance it tips when he’s good at what he does, which Cousins is.
Cousins is shooting just over 40 percent this season, which is not particularly good for a near 7-footer making almost $16 million per season. Cousins seems to fall into the line of “I can change him if he’s on my team” and will end up with five squads minimum before he exits the game stage left, which will happen in an expeditious manner unless he starts getting along with his coaching staffs.
Talent can keep you around for a period of time depending on how much you have, but eventually, the return on investment isn’t enough.
Now, onto Howard.
Rumors of Howard wanting out in Houston are staggering, because Houston was the hand-picked place for Dwight after tumultous (at best) lives in Orlando and Los Angeles.
The reality is, Howard is an elite defensive shot blocker who is limited on the offensive end and probably will be forever who cannot shoot free throws, so you ponder taking him off the floor late with the lead.
Howard has been locker-room hell everywhere he’s gone, from the on-again-off-again teenage breakup with the Magic to the discord with serial worker and self-confidence owner Kobe Bryant in L.A.
You’re not going to win a title with Howard as a centerpiece. He’s displayed too much immaturity, too little growth in his game, and too many fatal flaws that indicate it’s not going to end anytime soon.
The sex appeal of bringing in a 6’11” big man who can either do anything offensively (Cousins) or defensively (Howard) is enticing.
Wins happen above the neck when the matter. So disconnect the phone when the Kings or Rockets call.
