DeMarcus Cousins is one of the best overall players in the NBA.As a true stat-stuffer, Cousins averaged an amazing 27.8 points, 10.6 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 1.3 blocks and 1.4 steals over 34.4 minutes per game as a member of the Sacramento Kings last year before he was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans, where he put up 24.4 points, 12.4 boards, 3.9 dimes, 1.1 blocks and 1.5 steals over 33.8 minutes in the last 17 games of the season.While Cousins’ ability to produce as a dominant scorer and rebounder have been obvious since his rookie season, his willingness and skill to pass the ball has been a work in progress, reaching a near elite level last year. Last season, he had 15 games of seven or more assists, which essentially puts him into a category of his own when it comes to versatile big men who can also impact both ends of the court like he can.Heading into his first full year alongside Anthony Davis with the Pelicans, Cousins will make up the best frontcourt duo in the NBA and will also benefit from the addition of assistant coach Chris Finch, who Pelicans head coach Alvin Gentry brought over from the Denver Nuggets this summer.Finch designed Denver’s powerful offense that featured sets with two big men on the floor. Nikola Jokic and Jusuf Nurkic first demonstrated that they could efficiently play together under the style of play and then when Nurkic was traded, Mason Plumlee stepped in and proved it could still work (to a lesser degree due to the drop-off in Plumlee’s offensive talent).Therefore, the Pelicans, who were one of the least efficient offensive teams in the NBA last season, have a lot to look forward to, especially since Jrue Holiday re-signed on a five-year deal and veteran floor general Rajon Rondo signed with the team this summer.The major question becomes, however, how Cousins and Davis will be used together. After meeting with Finch, Cousins revealed part of the team’s strategy to Scott Kushner of The Advocate.

Therefore, it’s safe to expect Cousins to have the ball in his hands a lot around the free throw line. If he catches the ball cleanly, his triple-threat will annoy his opponents, since he has the range to knock down any open shot on the court, can put his head down and drive to the basket, or can kick the ball to an open teammate (most notably Davis in the low post).

While the Pelicans most likely won’t contend this season, they’re going to be a major headache for the top teams in the Western Conference to go up against. If Cousins is able to roam freely with the ball in the high post or at the top of the key, he might put up a number of triple-doubles with assists along the course of the campaign.