Did Brad Stevens Just Shut Down Any DeMarcus Cousins Hopes?

DeMarcus Cousins reportedly is nearing a release from the Houston Rockets, but don’t count on the Boston Celtics making much of a push to acquire the 30-year-old center.

At least, that’s how Celtics head coach Brad Stevens made it sound when he met with reporters Sunday before Boston’s game against the New Orleans Pelicans.

As Stevens noted, the Celtics have three bigs they’re comfortable with in Daniel Theis, Tristan Thompson and Robert Williams.

“I’ve said this all year,” Stevens told reporters, “one of the challenges of our team is you get past our perimeter players and the next probably three best guys as far as production goes so far on our team are at first blush fives, right?

“So, Rob (Williams), (Daniel) Theis and Tristan (Thompson).”

And while Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge went on record recently talking about improving the team, an aging Cousins doesn’t tip the balance of power much.

The four-time NBA All-Star is shooting just 37% from the field in 25 games this year, while numerous leg injuries have impacted his athleticism. They have hindered his impact on the defensive end and mobility, as well.

So, essentially, it’s difficult to envision Cousins serving as an upgrade to Boston’s trio of big men.

Stevens recently expressed how he can see the double-big lineup of Theis-Thompson becoming more efficient as the two grow more familiar with each other. Thompson himself said he could see a “connection” building, too.

“Theis’ ability to stretch the floor, his ability to play in the seam, his ability to figure out ways to complement Tristan and Rob when he’s in there has given us a little bit more flexibility,” Stevens said Sunday. “That didn’t start out smoothly, as well-documented, but it’s gotten better as time has gone on.”

That, along with the fact the Celtics need more depth on the wing, likely means Boston will be out on Cousins when he is eventually released/traded from Houston.