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The Pelicans introduced DeMarcus Cousins and Omri Casspi on Wednesday morning at the practice facility in Metaire, but Big Cuz easily stole the show. If his introductory press conference was any indication, Cousins is going to quickly become a fan favorite in New Orleans.
After general manager Dell Demps’ opening remarks of welcoming the newest members to the team and thanking the Benson family, Cousins took center stage. He first recalled how the last few days have been an emotional roller coaster — which we learned yesterday just prior to him leaving the city of Sacramento — but he claimed he’s not going to dwell on it because, “everything happens for a reason.”
Then he proceeded to say all the right things and he came across as rather trustworthy because not only he did come across as genuine but we must not forget that nearly seven years of evidence have accumulated detailing his faithfulness to his previous city.
DeMarcus Cousins: "I plan on embracing my teammates, this organization and this city...This is my home now."
— Oleh Kosel (@Redhopeful) February 22, 2017
This was good stuff, but the best part was yet to come. When asked about what he envisions with playing alongside Anthony Davis, Cousins didn’t mince words.
Cousins on joining AD:"We can learn from one another. Our games compliment one another...I think we can wreak havoc in the league."
— Scott Prather (@Scott_1420) February 22, 2017
I think we can wreak havoc.
Although he would go on to add he doesn’t believe it’ll happen overnight, he’s ready to put forth the work to make it happen soon.
Alvin Gentry would go on to corroborate Cousins by stating that he feels Davis and Cousin’s, because of their versatility, compliment each other wonderfully. He went on to add that it’s going to help the duo they’ve been friends for a long time.
Omri Casppi, after initially laughing at Gentry’s mention of Cousins’ 36% field goal percentage from three-point territory, stated, “He’s my brother. We’ve been through a lot in our young careers.”
Casspi would go on to add that he thinks the Cousins-Davis combination can take the league by storm. It was hard to argue against his statement because moments later Cousins echoed, “I’m all in.”
DeMarcus Cousins is saying all the things to make my heart go wild. "This is my home now" + "I'm all in" = pic.twitter.com/yVrYl2UZdR
— Chris Trew (@christrew) February 22, 2017
Demps would go on to say that he’s excited about the prospects of seeing Jrue Holiday, Cousins and Davis all on the floor at the same time, but he did say he had considered a Cousins-Davis pairing during USA Basketball.
One last noteworthy item from the press conference was Cousins makes for great conversation and often his use of humor is incredibly appropriate. First, right after Cousins compared his personality to Davis’ as ‘Fire and Ice,’ he let us in on a little secret.
Cousins recalling how he had told Anthony Davis after the last time they played in SAC (10 days ago), as a joke, "Come to Sacramento."
— Oleh Kosel (@Redhopeful) February 22, 2017
Be careful what you wish for because the opposite just might happen! Indeed, when you look at the moments immediately following that game, one can see Cousins and Davis had shared something personal.
Video of Boogie and AD talking after the Sacto game. They weren't lying. pic.twitter.com/1O3ypzVsrS
— Kumar (@FearTheBrown) February 22, 2017
Then, when asked about his passion and drive, Cousins dropped the line of the day.
DeMarcus Cousins, in response to a question about how competitive he is, says "about 17 technicals worth". Room erupts. We love you Boogie pic.twitter.com/tDjjlAkbzL
— Chris Trew (@christrew) February 22, 2017
Great stuff and today was certainly one of the more entertaining introductory press conferences one’s bound to see.
DeMarcus Cousins just had a hell of a press conference...
— Scott Kushner (@ScottDKushner) February 22, 2017
Yes, yes he did.
Welcome, again, guys!
Your newest #Pelicans! pic.twitter.com/C5LOgazuBQ
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) February 22, 2017