The pairing of George Karl and DeMarcus Cousins presents a dynamic that, upon investigation, outstretches basketball’s limited scope. You know the story. It transcends Xs and Os.
As a result, interpersonal factors like temperament, personality and ego have dominated the conversations that seek to analyze the probability of success or failure resulting from their relationship. Basic basketball compatibility, on the other hand, strictly from an actual, on-court standpoint, has been given a disproportionate amount of attention.
For example: How will Cousins, a traditional-style back-to-the-basket, post-up big man, play in Karl’s dribble-drive offense? How will Karl, a headstrong but ultimately adaptable head coach, utilize his best player — a 6 foot 11 inch, 270 pound center — in a system that aims to outrun and outshoot its opponents?