DeMarcus Cousins

DeMarcus Cousins explains in 2 words why he changed his number with Pelicans

Published Feb. 22, 2017 5:40 a.m. ET

Nunzio Ingrassia

The New Orleans Pelicans will unveil their newly acquired All-Star big man DeMarcus Cousins on Thursday when they take on the Rockets, but the colors of Cousins’ jersey won't be the only change.

The 26-year-old will be wearing a new number when he hits the floor, trading in the No. 15 he wore during his six-plus years with the Sacramento Kings for No. 0.

https://twitter.com/PelicansNBA/status/834183591592595462

So why the change? Cousins gave ESPN a two-word reason for the move.

“New life…”

It appears that will be the case in New Orleans. Cousins is leaving a franchise that hasn’t made the playoffs since 2006 – four years before the Kings drafted him fifth overall – to join a team that already has one of the best big men in the game in Anthony Davis.

Cousins spoke about his relationship with Davis, who like Cousins played for John Calipari at the University of Kentucky, after arriving in New Orleans on a private jet.

https://twitter.com/PelicansNBA/status/834165280393801728

“The good thing about me and (Davis) outside of basketball we have a great relationship,” Cousins said. “I think that will follow onto the court, and we’re going to make some things happen.”

The Pelicans, who are currently 11th in the West, are expected to make a playoff push after their blockbuster move, in which they acquired Cousins and Omri Casspi for Buddy Hield, Tyreke Evans, Langston Galloway and two first-round picks. Pairing Cousins with Davis gives New Orleans an enormous size and skill advantage in the frontcourt but will that lead to success in a league that has become enamored with smaller lineups and 3-point shooting?

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DeMarcus Cousins

New Orleans Pelicans

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