Steve Kerr wants DeMarcus Cousins to anchor his second unit upon his return from injury. The plan is to have Cousins to take advantage of dysregulated matchups, and offer some depth (they already possessed). The logic behind the move stems from a desire to replace David West's veteran role on the roster. The coach has left the door ajar for Patrick McCaw to re-sign if the market shrivels up.
"I think you'll see us use him (DeMarcus) in that David West role from the last couple years, when David anchored the second unit," head coach Steve Kerr said on Tuesday as the press pressed on. "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."
Realistically speaking, DeMarcus Cousins is a better offensive player than David West, even on two wobbly knees. Nevertheless, West played an important veteran role down the stretch, giving the Warriors his all, and posting averages of 5.8 points and 3.1 rebounds in 141 games, predominantly off the bench.
Cousins, an all-star the last four seasons, 25.2 points, 12.9 rebounds and 5.4 assists per game over his career. Expect those numbers to take a dip if he sticks in the "David West Role." There simply aren't enough touches to go around.