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Should the Toronto Raptors take a look at DeMarcus Cousins?

By Thomas Valentine

LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 21: DeMarcus Cousins #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers works out to assistant coach Phil Handy prior to the start of a basketball game against the Memphis Grizzlies at Staples Center on February 21, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 21: DeMarcus Cousins #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers works out to assistant coach Phil Handy prior to the start of a basketball game against the Memphis Grizzlies at Staples Center on February 21, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /
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Toronto Raptors
Toronto Raptors (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

Is it worth it?

At his best, Cousins was a two-time NBA All-Star, a four-time NBA All-Star, and one of the best centers in the game. Sadly, injuries have plagued him and that’s not the case anymore. That doesn’t mean he can be an interesting option for a title-contending team. Realistically, that’s where Cousins is going to end up.

A team destined for the postseason is going to take a punt on him in a hope that he can provide some sort of production. It could be the LA Clippers, it could even be the Houston Rockets – despite their willingness to play without a traditional center – but right now, it probably shouldn’t be the Toronto Raptors.

Despite their lack of traditional center help, the Raptors are getting along just fine and once Marc Gasol returns, they’ll be in an even better spot. Injury cover is the only real reason the Raptors would pick up Cousins at this point. Both Ibaka and Gasol are better players at the moment, so Cousins won’t get past them in the rotation, and Nick Nurse has had success deploying Rondae Hollis-Jefferson at center in emergencies.

For now, the Raptors have no need to look towards Cousins, but signing him wouldn’t be a huge mistake, especially if he can provide anything close to his former production – however unlikely that seems.

With Ibaka and Gasol both free agents at the end of the season, maybe it’s worth the Raptors looking at Cousins in the summer if they chose to keep only one of their current centers – something that is possible at this point.

Related Story. Is Marc Gasol's injury a legitimate concern for the Toronto Raptors?. light

The Raptors are set at center for the meantime, but if Gasol can’t stay healthy down the stretch, there’s a possibility that we could see Cousins become an option for the defending champions.

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