DeMarcus Cousins Ruled “Day-To-Day” For Team USA
After suffering an apparent right knee injury while diving for a loose ball in Thursday’s Team USA practice, Marc Spears of Yahoo Sports reports that Cousins’ MRI revealed no structural damage in the big man’s knee, listing him as day-to-day for Team USA. This was head coach Mike Krzyzewski’s first practice held since the inter-squad scrimmage that led to Paul George’s injury.
Kings teammate Rudy Gay, who was just brought in to try out after Kevin Durant’s withdrawal, saw his teammate,
I’ve never seen him go down and stay down. I think in the back of his head … everybody is thinking about what happened before [with George]. I think he will be OK.
This is good news for Team USA, and of course, the Sacramento Kings. Managing director Jerry Colangelo did say that Cousins should sit out of their preliminary round game against Brazil on Saturday even if he’s 100%. Assurance is as important now as it’s ever been, given George’s injury impact, but also for Team USA’s competence in the FIBA games.
Without George and Durant, Krzyzewski needs his most talented players. Thinking long term, if you want to compete with the likes of Spain, you’ll need your best bigs without the versatility of Durant. Cousins is important for the interior of Team USA to stand against such opposition as the most skilled center on their roster.
