DeMarcus Cousins is ‘totally fine’ coming off bench in Houston

Houston hasn’t named a starter at center between Cousins and Christian Wood, but the four-time All-Star is fine with a sixth-man role.

The Houston Rockets have yet to formally name a starter at center between 25-year-old Christian Wood and 30-year-old DeMarcus Cousins.

The former burst onto the national scene last season with elite numbers after Detroit’s trade of Andre Drummond, while the latter brings more pedigree and experience as a four-time All-Star in previous years.

Despite Cousins’ lofty status, though, the veteran said Wednesday that he has no qualms with potentially coming off the bench with the Rockets. Here’s how he replied when asked about a potential sixth-man role:

I’m totally fine with it. I’m here to help C-Wood get better every single day. He’s been a sponge since he stepped in the building. You can’t ask for anything more, coming from a young player. He’s extremely talented, and I’m here to push him and get him better every single day.

If my name is called to start, I’ll come out and do my job. If my name is called to be the sixth man and come off the bench, I’ll do my job. My concern is to make sure everybody in this locker room is together and coming in ready to work every single day. Our identity is team-first. That’s what we’re preaching.

Given the investment cost of each player — Wood has a three-year, $41 million contract while Cousins is on a non-guaranteed deal at the NBA’s minimum salary, owing to recent injuries — it seems highly likely that Wood will get the starting nod. Nonetheless, the Rockets are certainly thrilled to hear the team-first mentality expressed by Cousins.

“It’s been good energy, good vibes here,” Cousins said of Houston’s start to training camp for the 2020-21 season under new head coach Stephen Silas. “It’s a joy to come into work every day.”

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