Ball In Morey's Court If Kings' Cousins Hits Trade Market
by Tom Martin on Jan 2, 2012 12:32 AM CST
in Random Commentary
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I'll preface with this: no reports confirm the Kings to be actively shopping DeMarcus Cousins. But when a team sends out a press release that basically publicly insults a player, you have to think that changes are in the works. Assuming the Kings DO decide to take calls on Cousins -- which is reportedly a possibility -- here's my perspective on what Houston should do.
On the first day of my senior year of high school, my short, bulky, bald-headed history teacher cleared his throat and said, "History tells us that man learns nothing from history." He must not have been aware of his words, or else he'd have quit and taught Chemistry.
History will not predict the future, but it can often provide handy guidelines. The moment DeMarcus Cousins' trade demand went public Sunday evening, I found history to be readily available for use.
The Rockets have a history with Cousins in more ways than one. They also have an extensive trade history with his team, the Sacramento Kings. The list of HouCramento RocKings is long and diverse. If Daryl Morey rocks a T-Mobile, you know his Fab 5 features Kings GM Geoff Petrie. And we like Geoff Petrie. He gave us Kevin Martin for a backup power forward.
As for Cousins, Houston staffers know him quite well. The Rockets reportedly pursued trade avenues to acquire Cousins during the 2010 NBA Draft. There's no doubt every team gave Cousins a look, but the Rockets -- in dire need of a center -- certainly made an attempt to solve their frontcourt issues with one swift move.
The Cousins Connection doesn't stop with the front office. Rockets head coach Kevin McHale worked with Cousins during the 2011 All-Star game, so the too are familiar with each other. I'm not a gambling man, but I'd wager Cousins and Uncle McHale would make a much better fit than Cousins and Grandpa Westphal.
Speaking of Westphal, I think the Kings are making a colossal mistake. They're sticking by a replaceable coach, and in the process, they find themselves on the verge of losing an irreplaceable talent. And for what? Seriously, for what?
History tells us the Rockets know and like DeMarcus Cousins. It also tells us that Houston and Sacramento get along wonderfully. There's no reason for Daryl Morey not to be inviting Petrie out to dinner tomorrow night in order to discuss trade options. I'm not sure if that's proper trade talk etiquette, but screw it, he might as well go all out.
To address the point you've been waiting to see addressed: the risk. The gamble. The chances DeMarcus torpedos the Houston Rockets into the ground before taking off for greener pastures and repeating from these here steps. The odds the Rockets repeat history by ignoring it.
You know what? Screw those concerns, too. What if Cousins is just a bad fit with the wrong coach? What if that's really, legitimately it? We saw him at his best with a good coach at Kentucky. It's the reason why he went top-five in the draft.
As many have noted on Twitter, Cousins doesn't have any sort of off-court history. There isn't any bad record of such. It's all on the court, all on the hardwood, in the form of griping, whining and most recently, missed shots. There aren't any drugs here. No guns, no nightclubs, no nothing.
If you want to blow more sunshine up Morey's ass, here's your funnel: Boy Genius purposely hired a players coach with a personality big enough to encompass and comfortably deal with even the most nuclear of nutcases. Look at the sudden change in mentality from Terrence Williams despite barely having worked with McHale. You're telling me Morey's suddenly going to leave his chance for NBA trade redemption sitting at the doorstep?
That's right, kids. It all comes full circle. The Pau Gasol trade, revisited. We thought we doomsday had arrived at the time of the trade's destruction, and yet, as a few brave souls noted at the time, the failed trade may turn out to be a blessing in disguise. Suddenly, the Rockets remain ripe with trade assets and draft picks.
Now Morey has a chance to top his dead trade with a live catch, one not near as developed as Gasol but clearly capable of living up to higher expectations. Rookies who line up 14 and 9 every night shouldn't be ignored, especially rooks like Cousins who were thrust into the starting lineup early in their careers.
I'm not here to tell you that DeMarcus Cousins is on his way to Houston. Hey may not leave Sacramento at all, though I find that hard to believe at this point. Plus, you're all still hungover from old trade rumors -- they get old with blinding speed and evaporate at a snail's pace.
But let's keep an eye on this one and hope that something is churning behind the scenes. Cousins could be an answer for Houston's rebuilding project if the pieces fall into place. As long as the Rockets keep their heart and souLowry, I'm ready to welcome any new brothers, sisters or Cousins to town.
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My thoughts on this are that I'm not so sure that Westphal suspended him for the trade demand with the intent of trading him
I bet they do everything they can to avoid that. Otherwise, Petrie would’ve told Westphal to shut up and keep the demand under wraps until they could work something out. As Ziller noted, to throw Cousins under the bus and air all the dirty laundry for the reporters just hurts their bargaining position. To say that this incident is the “tip of the iceberg” has to torpedo his value to a certain degree.
Though the Maloof’s apparently are backing Westphal and probably can’t afford to pay anyone else to coach, I still think there’s a pretty good chance it’s Westphal to go instead of Cousins.
Check out The Dream Shake.
I'm not so sure.
This isn’t something you recover from. Rumors would be one thing. Team press releases with the intent of harming public perception take this beyond reparable means.
The Dream Shake ...on Twitter.
"I think girls are probably just better shooters." - Steve Novak
Ok then perhaps it's just idiocy on the Kings part
I can’t imagine a scenario where Westphal escapes this season with his job unless something crazy happens. No offense, constant head-butting with players, and public criticism from all angles. If I’m the Kings, I take the somewhat crazy but immensely talented 21 year old over the mediocre coach in the last year of his contract.
Check out The Dream Shake.
by Patrick Harrel on Jan 2, 2012 12:52 AM CST up reply actions
I don't think they can afford to establish that precedent
Not in connection with this incident. Not if they want to retain any credibility as leaders. Westphal may well be on the way out the door, but not because a second-year journeyman dislikes him. Perhaps the most likely scenario is that the Kings let Cousins stay in the doghouse for the rest of the year, then fire Westphal after that.
http://www.crawfishboxes.com
I get the point you're trying to make
but how can you call a 2nd year player whose only played on one team with the raw talent and potential of a Demarcus Cousins a journeyman? Westphal is an awful coach despite having some really good talents in Evans, Cousins and Thornton, All of them can score 20 a night and with the exception of Thornton are better than average passers for their positions.
My question is
Were the basketball operations people involved in this? because it sure surprised the hell out of Cousins’s agent. I cant imagine any competent GM or president would allow something like this to go out officially and leave themselves little plausible deniability for negotiation. The suspension could have easily been a vague “violating team policy/personal reasons”, the same news could have been leaked to sources like Woj or Amick or any number of beat writers. It would achieve similar effects, but it’d have been far less damaging to both the relationship between Cousins and the team, and the GM’s ability to negotiate.
by NVP on Jan 2, 2012 2:06 AM CST up reply actions
They didn't suspend him
They just sent him home.
Suspensions go to League office and usually have player appeals. The dirty laundry usually leaks.
In this case they didn’t suspend him,so it looks really goofy. “Go sit in the corner on a time-out til you’re willing to make nice.”
If you’re looking for hidden motives-and Kings fans esp like the Major League theory-I would go with the Coach wants Cousins gone and doesn’t give a s*** what he gets back. The team let it stand so they can claim the poor return they got back in trade was because Cousins was damaged goods.
Any way you parse it,Cousins and Westphal are done. The team can’t keep Westphal after this,yet they can’t fire him first otherwise they look like they’re caving in to Cousins.
Best part for me is I’ve long held there were two pairings that the Rockets should watch for potential break-ups. Evan/Cousins and Durant/Westbrook.
Oh another thing
I can’t wait for more puns like this if the DeMarcus Cousins trade rumors start heating up.
Check out The Dream Shake.
Seems this Cousin wants out of the royal family.
I'm a household name... at my house.
Michael Vick is the best throwing running back of all time.
My put your name on it prediction for the Housotn Texans.
10-6, with a first round playoff upset over either the Ravens or Steelers.
by taylorrohrman on Jan 2, 2012 11:24 AM CST up reply actions
IF we did do a deal
what’s the speculation on the pieces to be moved, and who is untouchable?
Lowry Morris and Dalembert are the only "untouchables"
Morris and Dal are in the sense that they only recently signed deals and cannot be traded until 30 days after the deal signing. Lowry is untouchable because he is a stud.
that includes Parsons then
they might ask for Lowry, but Lowry is a line I’d draw, and it’s unlikely they take Martin back or Scola’s contract
by NVP on Jan 2, 2012 1:55 AM CST up reply actions
Man, this escalated super fast
I still feel blindsided a bit. I dont follow the Kings closely, but this whole thing screams WTF.
A second year guy asking to be traded, but his agent has no idea. The news came from an official team press release and apparently the owners approve? And all this happening before the team played even 10 games. Just none of it really make much sense.
I’d love for us to trade of Cousins, he’s a worthy gamble. It’s hard to put a package together for the Kings since they’ve been in a youth movement for a while now and seems to have found a franchise piece to build on with Evans and Cousins, but has limited success in translating the raw talents to wins. Do they want veterans that can help elevate them into a dangerous playoff team(are they at that level), or do they want more future assets and young players to maybe find another franchise piece down the road? On paper they look like they could be very very good if just one of their franchise pieces makes the leap, and give one is about to start his sophomore campaign and another just entering his 3rd season, it was very possible. Now it seems one of those piece is trying to leave far before he realizes his potential. I cant remember if anything like this ever happened. How do you trade for a disgruntle, but very very talented rookie.
In Morey we trust
This would be a huge move for us. A budding, young C with an all star PG and a good supporting cast if Martin or Scola or Patterson can be held. Do whatcha gots to do DM
"San Antonio is the best falling down team in the league"- Bill Worrell
Conspiracy theory...
This has been authorized by Stern so that Morey doesn’t pursue further legal action against him or the league from the failed CP3 trade.
In an effort to get Morey to back off, Stern is giving them the PF/C they were prevented from getting before the start of the season.
Given the over-active relationship that’s existed between the Kings and Rockets, this makes things even easier – and better – because Houston won’t have to give up Scola, Martin, a PG, and picks to get him. It’ll most likely be Hill or 2Pat, a pick, and maybe Flynn or Dragic. Even though I think he’s an on-court head-case, McHale is the guy that can bring out the best of him. So get this done already.
by Nobody is Better Than Jordan on Jan 2, 2012 2:29 AM CST reply actions
Absolutely agree
Morey is hot on Stern/NBA. Stern tells Sac to give Hou Cousins or your arse is moving to Anaheim. Stern is hero in Houston.
I love ridiculous conspiracies.
If you can feel them, they are real.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/writers/sam_amick/01/01/demarcus.cousins.kings/index.html?sct=hp_t2_a3&eref=sihp
Chuck Hayes has been trying to help him tone down his emotions on the court. Definitely maturity issues. Nice piece
Westphal is not a good coach. I remember reading KMart soured on him also because Westphal openly accused him of being a selfish player at halftime of a certain game.
Seems the Kings want youth with cheap contracts.
The content of the text above is provided for information purposes only. No claim is made as to the accuracy or authenticity of the content. The troll does not accept any liability to any person for the information or advice (or the use of such information or advice) which is provided in the text above.
Houston has them…
… tell the Kings to take their pick…
.
I had to stop arguing with drunks, Steeler fans, and all other fools.
It was making my brick wall jealous...
.
Dedicated to the "Pride of the Steelers"
.
by steeler-hater on Jan 2, 2012 4:02 AM CST up reply actions
I am trying very hard not to get too excited here…
… but I am failing miserably.
Let’s get this thing done. The team should still have some young guys left on it after any trade offer they make. They should still have some draft picks left too, considering they have 4 first rounders in the next couple of drafts.
I doubt they’ll have to “gut” the team to get this guy & I’m sure Morey wouldn’t do it, anyways…
.
I had to stop arguing with drunks, Steeler fans, and all other fools.
It was making my brick wall jealous...
.
Dedicated to the "Pride of the Steelers"
.
If DeMarcus' coming I would like to keep PPat
In their year together in Kentucky, PPat was know to have kind of a “Big Brother” role with DMC. Surrey won’t hurt to have them back in the same jersey.
by RiiseRockets on Jan 2, 2012 6:14 AM CST via mobile reply actions
Keeping Patterson would be a smart move if you pick up Cousins....
He was a leader on that UK team and someone Cousins will listen to. Would give DMC a steady influence. Patterson is as mature as my grandmother.
Loads of talent, and worth a trade if he can be picked up without sacrificing our core.
It does bother me though that Chuckwagon, another UK alum, seems to be rather outspoken about DMC’s attitude. If I was Morey I might pick up the phone and call Hays for the inside scoop before I bet the ranch..
by albertchester on Jan 2, 2012 9:04 AM CST up reply actions
Agree
Would like to see PPat and Cousins with Lowry leading the charge.
Offer to take either the Garcia
or Green contract off their hands as well.
flayed ones stealth mode
"Fleshling! Do not shoot! For I am one of you fleshy things. It is I. Your Uncle Stan. Can't you tell by the long strips of fleshy substances covered in bodily fluids? Trust me! I have fleeeeeeeeesh."
i wouldnt b surprised
To see something like hill, bud and picks do it. Maybe even thabeet or flynn added to push offer over the top as it were.
They may want out of cousins simply to tank back into top5 again as this draft is gunna b sick and they may want to draft a guy like barnes who has alot of potential and limited reported attitude issues. Or it could b new managment screwing the pooch while they figure out how to run an nba team.
Either way if it nets us a real potential star center im good with it
"Never underestimate the heart of a champion"- Rudy T, all up in that azz
by ShookednShanghaied11 on Jan 2, 2012 9:01 AM CST via mobile reply actions
Kings saying Cousins won’t be traded
If true, this ain’t good news for the Rockets…
.
I had to stop arguing with drunks, Steeler fans, and all other fools.
It was making my brick wall jealous...
.
Dedicated to the "Pride of the Steelers"
.
Well
heck, its kind of zero sum news, because, he was never actually a rocket lol
flayed ones stealth mode
"Fleshling! Do not shoot! For I am one of you fleshy things. It is I. Your Uncle Stan. Can't you tell by the long strips of fleshy substances covered in bodily fluids? Trust me! I have fleeeeeeeeesh."
Well that'd actually makes sense
compare to the nonsense that’s been going on.
It was a crazy escalation of speculation anyways, I was more interested in how the KIngs can be so foolish
by NVP on Jan 2, 2012 9:11 AM CST up reply actions
Bad Idea
I really think this trade could be a bad idea. If you want to take a gamble in my opinion you should gamble much. He is still on his rookie contract so there is no reason to start talikng about trading Scola, Martin or Kyle, unless we are talking a package deal involving Evens. Thiss guy hasn’t just butted head with his head coach, he has had issues with many of the coaches (including Mario Ellie) and his teammates. Unless this guy is a stael, I say hold out for something better
I'm still so stuck on this trade where i don't know how it gets done.
Just spitballing, we’d need to take a contract back they don’t want, but have they really goteen a bad one on their hands? They’re trying to shave payroll but they have a salary cap floor to hit. They could take a bad contract back and amnesty it if they want to retain cap space but still manage to meet the floor.
If I can piggy back on Mob, I wouldn’t mind them taking back the Donte Green, slot him at the 3 and tell him to defend, I figure if we’re in love with athleticism why not use him? An offer like Hill, Thabeet, Bud, and a pair of firsts for Donte Green and Demarcus Cousins gives them some flexibility and some youth. I still feel like that doesn’t give you enough, you know?
It’s an awkward trade because we have no one worth a straight up swap to make it pan out and combining stuff really only makes it more complicated.
I don’t know, this Cousins thing, he demanded a trade, I think he’ll be moved because he’s been a douche in Sacramento but I think it’s just Sacramento (However we’re barely allowed to use that reasoning with a bad Memphis team with Thabeet or a bad Minnesota team with Flynn, but whatever). I’m one of those people who think that we, as Rockets fans, chronically convince ourselves that we’re in the running for everyone when in reality what we have to offer is kind of ‘meh’. I, for one, am super excited over seeing Jordan Hill’s progress and see where Cousins would be great but let’s not overrate history (This coming from a history major). McHale worked out with Cousins, Olajuwon worked out with a lot of players, none of them are in Houston. The Rockets tried for Cousins in the draft, they do that with a lot of guys who never wind up materializing. The Rockets have a ton of history knocking around with no results when it’s all said and done. If history gives us one thing to be concrete about as Rockets fans it’s that in the modern era you need to prepare yourself to a massive build up and a massive case of blue balls.
I would like to see it too But
I do not see how we can make an offer they want. They will not want Scola or Martin. We should not trade Kyle. What will they want? I would be happy for any other 3 youngs except for Patrick.
Break BD's heart,but...
Hill,Thabeet,Flynn,a future First for Cousins,Garcia,perhaps have to add Bud for Greene.
Yes,yes I am
Chris Paul just got traded for a very good young SG,who will likely bolt as soon as he can,a prospect SF and a First. Chris Paul!
Westphal killed the Kings negotiating position. Just stabbed it,threw it down,curb-stomped it, then picked it up to spit in it’s face and then set it on fire a blowtorch. Then he took the charred remains and rubbed ‘em in Cousins’ face.
“I think DeMarcus has to do some soul searching and decide if he’s going to join me in a way that’s desirable and acceptable to this organization.”-Paul Westphal
Whatever Cousin’s thoughts were before,his agent is going to be asking for a trade any second now,saying the Kings have to decide,Coach or Player.
They can’t fire Westphal w/out looking like they’ve totally caved-and that’s the probable reason for Westphal’s statements.(This is now twice Tyreke Evans and another player have questioned Westphal after a game and the other player has been sent home both times.)
So yeah,the Kings are going to get offers and they’re not going to be very good. And when they finally do decide to trade him,they’re not getting as much as might be expected.
They need a big,a PG and a consolation First and there are not many teams that can offer that.
(And the “leaks” by Kings players that Cousins is a big problem not only further lessens his trade value,it’s also a sign that Kings players are thinking the Kings are choosing their Coach over Cousins.)
And for the 5th pick being traded for little thinking,exactly what did the second pick in the 2009 Draft net?
Yup they need a PG who is a willing and able passer who can run and gun with Marcus and Tyreke
They also need a couple of solid front court players at all three positions who can play both ways. Hill is a great prospect at the 4 and Thabeet is also just oozing potential on both offence and defence, with some good coaching from a big man legend like Hakeem and Alonzo Mourning he could be great. Thats Flynn, Hill and Thabeet with some picks and Bud for Greene. Sounds good to me. But then again what do I know I’ma Laker fan =D
And how's that Odom TPE working out :)
Yeah,Hill and Flynn are not close to Cousin’s talent level,but sometimes you have to do things you don’t want to do whether it’s because you tried to trade a player and he can’t get over it or your prize big man draft pick is being shoved out the door by a coach who just killed all your trade leverage.
The way I see it is…
.. if the Kings do trade this guy, you outbids the other teams are for (if there are any) & you roll the dice.
If it don’t work out, you blow the team up & start all over again…
.
I had to stop arguing with drunks, Steeler fans, and all other fools.
It was making my brick wall jealous...
.
Dedicated to the "Pride of the Steelers"
.
* = “outbid”
.
I had to stop arguing with drunks, Steeler fans, and all other fools.
It was making my brick wall jealous...
.
Dedicated to the "Pride of the Steelers"
.
by steeler-hater on Jan 2, 2012 9:18 AM CST up reply actions
Pick him up ASAP!
Give them picks or whatever we have got to give! Make this happen and dont screw this one up! Its right in your lap!
How is it in anyone's lap?
It’s a rumor and no one has said to Houston “Hey, do you want this guy for nothing?”
SouLowry, that's pretty awesome.
That is all.
I'm a household name... at my house.
Michael Vick is the best throwing running back of all time.
My put your name on it prediction for the Housotn Texans.
10-6, with a first round playoff upset over either the Ravens or Steelers.
"Update" he is not with them anymore!
Its now open market on him and we should make an offer ASAP! or should we just wait for more of nothing again?
That's incredibly
narrow minded of you.
by Bobbythegreat on Jan 2, 2012 11:44 AM CST up reply actions
Narrow minded for me to assume that he's under contract?
Narrow minded for me to assume that his team controls that contract?
Narrow minded for me to assume Sacramento doesn’t have to trade him if they don’t want to?
Please, let me know how it’s narrow minded.
Yeah narrow minded that
you won’t let me bang your girlfriend. Didn’t you ever learn that sharing is caring?
by Bobbythegreat on Jan 2, 2012 12:26 PM CST up reply actions
Rebuilding..?
I see Cousins as the major piece we would need to REALLY start a serious rebuild. Of course, that happening would gut a lot a talent from the team. Scola/Martin/Hill/Dragic/PPAT etc. have been really hard workers for the Rockets, as well as professionals in every sense of the word. I’m kinda sick of the mentallity of them (and perhaps others on the team) being hung up for sell. No, we don’t have a (proven) elite superstar, but add Scola and Martin together and you have 1 and 1/2 of a superstar. Lowry is almost there.
Eh, I mean, it’s not anyones fault Yao got injured. These players were meant to be perfect supporters. Except.. they turned out to be better than just that.
To end my ramble: I hope this trigger-finger trade talk about the Rockets ends soon. I’d like to know what team I am standing behind, and a hardworking and talented team deserves to have management and fans behind them too. Go Rockets!
by Strubs on Jan 2, 2012 12:05 PM CST via Android app reply actions
Geez
people acting like Cousins came out and said he wants to be a Rocket
by twinkilling0303 on Jan 2, 2012 12:06 PM CST reply actions 4 recs
Chances we get him aren't high.
We have to remember there are teams that have more to offer than we do. Minny is one and they would be a better fit for their team.
I hate david stern!
I wonder if Minnesota would give up Love
in case he decides to bolt from Minnesota
If you can feel them, they are real.
I think the early success Rubio is having makes it a lot more likely that Love stays around. Minnesota could even become a destination.
by seanbergmanrules on Jan 2, 2012 5:06 PM CST up reply actions
Unfortunately!
Joe Maloof, co-owner of the Kings stated that they weren’t trading him but who knows. Maybe if he keeps complaining then they will start taking calls but as of now, they aren’t.
Hill, dragic, bud and a future first
for Cousins and Green?
"Slammed that hoe on the counter like I just got 35 on the domino table!!"
Sherrod Harris
?
Although this blog is talking about the remote possibility of getting Cousins from Sacremento I was looking at the rosters of the d league and came across a center playing for the erie bayhawks by the name of Chris Daniels, he is 7’ tall weighs 265 lbs. in 32 mpg he has 17.6 ppg 2.4 blocks per game 2.5 apg 9.6 rebounds per game fg% is 57% ft% is 67% and has a3pt% of 42%. I’m aware that I’m talking d league stats here not nba stats and I do not know if we could even sign a player off of some other teams d league team that is why I’m writing in this blog hoping someone who knows more than I could and would share their knowledge with me. If we can’t sign him has there ever been any trades made between d league teams? Does anyone out there reading this blog think this chris daniels guy would be worth looking at and if not why not?
I can’t answer this myself because I don’t totally understand it but my advice to you is…
… to post your question in a FanPost. This particular thread is just about spent. I doubt many people are still viewing it anymore.
Try posting it in a new FanPost of your own…
.
I had to stop arguing with drunks, Steeler fans, and all other fools.
It was making my brick wall jealous...
.
Dedicated to the "Pride of the Steelers"
.
by steeler-hater on Jan 3, 2012 6:48 AM CST up reply actions
Is anyone else checking out Adelman's Wolves tonight....
They might hang 130 on SA. They are shooting 70%, it’s almost the 4th qtr.
they are 11-13 from 3.. The Spurs have 14 rebounds to this point.
If you can feel them, they are real.
Surely the Kings have needs....
So far they haven’t had a player finish with more than 4 assists in a game…. Also, (still in progress) the Grizzlies have 60 points in the paint without Randolph playing. Maybe they could use someone in the middle who’s tall enough to ride in all the rides, and maybe they need someone who’s name doesn’t rhyme with truck pays.
If you can feel them, they are real.
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