DeMarcus Cousins reportedly receiving interest on opening night of NBA free agency

He hasn’t played an NBA game in nearly 18 months, but that doesn’t mean he’s done for good.

According to a report from ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, former Kentucky Wildcat big man and current NBA free agent DeMarcus Cousins is receiving some interest among teams as free agency began Friday afternoon at 6 p.m. 

This isn't an easy free agent market for centers, but here's a former All-Star getting some early attention tonight, per sources: DeMarcus Cousins.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 20, 2020

The last time Cousins was on the floor was as a member of the Golden State Warriors when they fell to the Toronto Raptors in the 2019 NBA Finals in six games. Injuries have plagued his career the last few seasons as he suffered a ruptured Achilles with the New Orleans Pelicans in Jan. 2018, a torn quadricep in April of 2019 with the Warriors, then a torn ACL in August of 2019 roughly one month after signing with the Los Angeles Lakers. Cousins had to relearn to walk before he could get back on the hardwood.

That ACL injury was now well over a year ago, though. The 30-year-old Cousins is surely going to be rusty, but he has had plenty of time to rehab and get himself back into NBA shape. Some franchise will likely take a chance on him, maybe an organization with close ties to the Kentucky program such as the New York Knicks and new assistant coach Kenny Payne?

Cousins is still a four-time All-Star and not old enough that he’s invaluable. He can score down low, shoot from beyond the arc, and is an underrated passer. Let’s hope he finds a new home sometime soon!