Health
This is the biggest factor of the three here. While no one knows for certain, we do have three different perspectives on the situation. McMenamin notes that Cousins seems to think that he will play at some point this season, at least that what he indicated in his piece via the following quote.
"The Los Angeles Lakers were quiet at the trade deadline and have yet to acquire any pieces off the buyout or free-agency market as they prepare for the stretch run. Could four-time All-Star DeMarcus Cousins, yet to play a game this season as he recovers from a torn ACL in his left knee, become an added weapon come playoff time? Cousins seems to think so."
Usually, players are the most optimistic and aggressive when getting back from injury, but considering the advances in medicine, how it did happen in the offseason during the summer, and with how we have seen other players come back from seemingly more gruesome injuries, it is possible that he could be back by the playoffs. Here is what former Miami Heat champion, All-Time NBAer, and current Los Angeles Laker’s superstar LeBron James had to say on the situation.
"Listen, first, his health is the thing we’re mostly engaging in and watching him. And he’s progressed every single day, every single month,” James said after practice Thursday, the Lakers’ first group session following the All-Star break. “To the point where he was limping and now he’s actually shooting and actually jumping on the jump shots, and progressing every single day, every single week. He’s out there right now, getting his work done."
LeBron seems to think that he is progressing in the right direction. LeBron isn’t a doctor though, of course.
You do like the things he had to say though, as far as Cousins’ physical progression and action. In knowing that he can commit to most action, the key thing now is to know with how much force and for how long can he do those actions.
Those are key questions to ask about his eventual return. Lastly, here is what the LA Lakers head man, Frank Vogel, had to say on the scenario.
"There is no date, and there’s really no specifics on it in terms of, I’m not even sure where he’s at with exactly what he’s doing day to day. I just still know he’s a long way away, but they’ve said they’re not ruling out him returning. That’s really all I can give you,” he said. “I just know he’s not close. As he starts getting close, it could be a review thing, because [the training staff will] come to me and let me know."
While the head coach’s outlook was a bit more pessimistic than either James’ or Cousins’ himself, he did say something of note there that can be taken as an extreme positive. He said “they’re not ruling out him returning”, likely meaning the Lakers’ brass, medical staff, or both. This is a good sign when thinking about his health and a potential return this season.
DeMarcus Cousins could certainly help the Miami Heat, even if he is only as close as 70 percent back. While you would want him as close to 100 percent as possible, to prevent further injury mostly, whatever he can give would be greatly appreciated and especially if he wants to hit the floor and give it. These would be the three things to look at before possibly making it a reality though and if you ask us, Pat Riley’s whiskers should definitely be tingling right now at the chance to sign such a talent at a very steep discount.