DeMarcus Cousins ​​slowly gets the machine going | NBA

As you might expect, DeMarcus Cousins ​​was a bit rusty. The pivot, bruised by serious injuries over the past three years, was forced to jump on the bandwagon when he reached Milwaukee in late November.

It was necessary to be operational on the physical level but also tactically, to manage its physique on the one hand, its role within its new team on the other, all in an NBA in constant evolution.

« It would be a lie to say that it was easy », he said, also pointing out that he has had very few opportunities to train. “Of course, it was hard, learning everything on the job, being thrown into the heat of the moment, and also facing the schedule in general, which is very busy. It’s not the NBA I was used to in 2010. It’s a whole new league. Training time is limited, preparation is limited. It’s a day of rest and then a game. It’s a lot of things that I try to assimilate ”.

Out of address

It hasn’t helped that the Milwaukee team in turn are affected by quarantines, but overall their comeback remains modest. If his 5.8 points and 5.1 rebounds in 14 minutes on average are not dishonorable, on the other hand, his clumsiness is more than worrying with 37% on shots, and 22% at 3-points.

“I get used to the game, I find my rhythm. I played a lot on short stretches so it’s hard to find rhythm. It will be a process and I have integrated it. I am aware of the plan they have in place for me so I just have to keep moving forward and hope I can find my rhythm throughout this process ”, he added. “It’s clear that I didn’t have training camp, I couldn’t prepare like the rest of the guys. It’s a process and there’s a plan in place to keep me strong, healthy and able to get through this whole season ”.

A first double-double bearer of hope

The machine is therefore gradually getting underway and DeMarcus Cousins ​​signed his first double-double of the season in the last game lost to Cleveland (12 points, 12 rebounds and 5 steals). Mike Budenholzer gave him his biggest game time since joining, and « DMC » has responded.

The best would therefore be to come, with the sequence of matches, the return of the executives and the pleasure of finally being able to play basketball again, in a team of choice so as not to spoil anything.

“It wasn’t easy. But at the same time, I take advantage of it all. I am happy to be doing the sport I love again. I’m with a great group, great staff and it’s fun. As for basketball, there were some difficulties, but I’m going to take things in hand ”, concluded DeMarcus Cousins, whose contract will be guaranteed until the end of the season from January 7.