Since entering the league the same year in 2010, there seems to have always been an underlying buzz around a pairing between John Wall and DeMarcus Cousins.
Of course, both were one-and-done Kentucky products and worked incredibly well on the court. However, what made this different was the close relationship the star duo was presumed to share off the hardwood.
Still, an NBA partnership between the two has yet to come to fruition, but this offseason was perhaps the best opportunity they’ve had for a reunion since entering the league together eight years ago. With Cousins’ unrestricted free agency, Wall says he and Cousins discussed the possibility of him joining Washington. Following from Sports Capitol DC’s Ben Standig:
Turns out John Wall and DeMarcus Cousins did discuss reuniting this summer. The point guard told @SportsCapitolDC why it didn't work out this time — but you never know what can happen. ($)https://t.co/Yk8Mpk5Lxg pic.twitter.com/hG4PJHfIzE
— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) August 8, 2018
Obviously, Cousins ultimately made the decision to join the already loaded Golden State Warriors, collectively shocking the entirety of the NBA world. A marriage between Cousins and the Wizards could’ve potentially worked, especially considering the gaping hole Washington had at center when free agency kicked off.
Washington quelled that issue however with the addition of veteran big Dwight Howard. John Wall has expressed in the past how he would love for the Wizards to add an explosive center, something Cousins could’ve potentially addressed long-term, even coming off a brutal Achilles injury.
With a star backcourt in place along with budding wing support from the likes of Otto Porter and Kelly Oubre Jr., adding an elite interior presence could’ve taken the team to new heights.
The Wizards have always been a dark horse contender in the Eastern Conference but now with LeBron James’ reign a thing of the past
and their center issues addressed, Washington can match up with just about anyone in the East on paper. Howard still figures to serve as a nice rim-running complement to John Wall and Bradley Beal this upcoming season, but certainly doesn’t boast the explosive long-term potential that Cousins would’ve brought to the table.
