The Sixer Sense
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Sixers: Top 5 free agents in the Southwest Division

By Christopher Kline

HOUSTON, TX - MAY 2: Trevor Ariza #1 of the Houston Rockets, Chris Paul #3 of the Houston Rockets, James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets, and Clint Capela #15 of the Houston Rockets look on during the game against the Utah Jazz in Game Two of Round Two of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 2, 2018 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - MAY 2: Trevor Ariza #1 of the Houston Rockets, Chris Paul #3 of the Houston Rockets, James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets, and Clint Capela #15 of the Houston Rockets look on during the game against the Utah Jazz in Game Two of Round Two of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 2, 2018 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
(Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /

No. 2: DeMarcus Cousins, New Orleans Pelicans

Cousins was once again an All-Star this season. He was also on track to make his first playoff appearance, but that was derailed by a ruptured Achilles. He now moves into free agency with significant question marks surrounding his health.

Strengths

At his best, Cousins can challenge Embiid for the title of league’s best center. Defense gives Embiid the edge, but Cousins is the more polished offensive weapon, spacing the floor, attacking closeouts in coordinated fashion, and using his strong frame to bully his way into the paint.

We haven’t seen any bigs with Cousins’ blend of strength and skill in quite some time. He can handle the ball in transition, initiate the offense at the top of the key, or playmake from the low block. His offensive versatility is genuinely impressive.

Cousins isn’t the post-dominant center that’s fading out of the modern NBA either. His passing ability is his most underrated trait, but it’s also his most important. He can play all over the floor and create for others, something that helped him mesh with Anthony Davis in NOLA.

Cousins is also an elite rebounder who, despite his limited lateral quickness, can block shots at a respectable clip. When he’s engaged, defense isn’t a significant issue.

Weaknesses

Cousins lacks the defensive versatility that makes Clint Capela such an intriguing asset. He’s also coming off a severe knee injury, which leaves concerns about his long-term projections. Attitude has also been an issue for Cousins in the past, especially in Sacramento.

Simply put, he’ll need to answer some questions before receiving max offers league-wide.

Fit

The Cousins-Davis pairing was fun, and they might stick with it in New Orleans. I’m not sure an Embiid-Cousins pairing would have the same luster, even if the talent level is astronomically high. Embiid can’t play on the perimeter to the extent Davis can, while Cousins and Embiid would fill similar spaces defensively.

But, regardless of basketball fit, Cousins isn’t coming to Philly.