The defending champion Golden State Warriors are hoping to get All-Star center DeMarcus Cousins back in the mix here soon. Cousins has been out nearly a full calendar year after suffering a torn Achilles as a member of the New Orleans Pelicans last season.
While previous reports noted that Cousins would return some time shortly after Christmas, Golden State continues to play it close to the vest with the big man.
In talking about his team’s center situation, Warriors general manager Bob Myers noted that he’s in the market for an upgrade.
Myers on @warriors shopping for a C: 'It's just an awareness and a reality that we have 2 centers now, and that's not enough in the NBA. I wish we could borrow some from last year.'
— Monte Poole (@MontePooleNBCS) December 31, 2018
This could explain why Golden State decided not to match the offer Cleveland signed guard Patrick McCaw to late last week. The team wants to keep one roster spot open in order to add another big man.
In addition to Cousins being sidelined, former first-round pick Damian Jones is out with a torn left pectoral muscle. He started 22 of the season’s first 24 games. In his stead, Jordan Bell and Kevon Looney have filled in at center.
Myers didn’t get into specifics regarding the type of move Golden State is looking to make. It will likely come via the buyout market. Though, there’s also a chance the defending champs pull off a trade before February’s deadline.
Golden State heads into New Year’s Eve against the Phoenix Suns with a pedestrian (by its standards) 24-13 record.