The Leadership of Cousins
So the question is not if the Wizards, or any team in the league, wants Cousins. Rather, which team does Cousins want? He has earned that right along with any free agent.
"“Cousins told The Undefeated that despite having season-ending surgery for a torn Achilles tendon, he believes he can be physically ready for the start of training camp. Whether the four-time NBA All-Star is playing for the Pelicans or for someone else next season remains to be seen”."
One gem is when Spears asked Cousins, what he thought when some believed that the Pelicans were better without him after his injury? I didn’t know that was even a conversation. So at this point, I believe it’s just a way for those who do not like a certain player, the opportunity to take a dig at them.
Cousins response:
"“It’s silly. I don’t think anyone in that locker room believes that. Not to take any credit from my team, but they stepped up, and that’s what you expect from your teammate when adversity hits and that’s exactly what they did. I’m super proud, and I give them all the credit in the world for being able to come together and make that happen. You couldn’t blame them if they decided to crumble and let the season go down, but they didn’t. They found another gear and they finished the season out super strong. I’m extremely happy for them.”"
Wait a minute, that’s something John Wall would say, and has said. Of course the last part of the answer about finishing “super strong” didn’t apply to Washington.
However, the mindset of Cousins is that of a leader. Basically, there was a problem and it could have gone either way. If they met the challenge, then they solved the problem. If they “decided to crumble” then you couldn’t fault them.
So it appears not only did Cousins and Wall go to the same college, but also to the same school of life that makes you a leader.