How the DeMarcus Cousins Trade Affects Denver
By Mathew Huff
While Denver should not be too worried, they should still demonstrate some level of concern after the biggest trade of the season.
The Denver Nuggets are currently in sole possession of the 8th seed in the Western Conference.
However, a new participant has now entered the race and declaring war on Denver for the final playoff spot. The New Orleans Pelicans were able to pull off a “heist,” as Stephen A. Smith and form a dynamic duo of superstars by trading for DeMarcus Cousins.
As a result, the Pelicans now possess an intimidating front-court featuring Cousins and Anthony Davis, who just broke Wilt Chamberlain’s All-Star Game points record by scoring 52 points.
Denver Nuggets
While New Orleans may be seated at the 11th spot, they are only a couple games back of the Denver Nuggets. The Nuggets have to now watch their back for four teams in particular in the race for the final post season spot.
Portland, Sacramento, Minnesota, and now New Orleans. As if the pressure was not built up enough for the young Nuggets, it just increased ten-fold after this lopsided trade. The question now becomes “Does Tim Connelly counter the move with a trade of his own?” I would love to think that he has an ace up his sleeve, but I am not too confident to be honest.
Not many teams who posses an All-Star are willing to deal that type of player.
I guess unless your name is Phil Jackson, but let’s not even touch that subject with a 10 foot pole.
All in all, the Nuggets should be fine if they continue to win must-win games and let Jokic continue his dominance.
They do need to be looking over their shoulder for the Pelicans now though.