Sources: New Orleans All-Star center DeMarcus Cousins has full rupture of left Achilles tendon
New Orleans Pelicans All-Star center DeMarcus Cousins has suffered a full rupture of his left Achilles tendon, league sources told Yahoo Sports.
Cousins suffered the injury late in Friday night’s home win over Houston and left the arena to have an MRI that confirmed the rupture, league sources said.
Cousins is expected to have season-ending surgery as soon as possible.
For New Orleans, the injury has put a significant dent in a season in which it expected to be a strong postseason threat behind Cousins‘ most complete season.
Cousins, who will be a free agent this summer, has helped lead the Pelicans to a 27-21 record and the sixth seed in the Western Conference, averaging 25.4 points, 12.9 rebounds and 5.2 assists per game.
Cousins and the Pelicans have enjoyed success on the court, a burgeoning partnership along with Anthony Davis and Jrue Holiday, and optimism on both sides about re-signing in July. New Orleans has won six of its last seven games and emerged ready to explore the trade market for an addition for the second half of the season.
Cousins had his second triple-double in three games on Friday night, with 15 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists.
Cousins, 27, is a four-time All-Star and two-time All-NBA player who was drafted fifth overall by the Sacramento Kings in 2010. In eight seasons with the Kings and Pelicans, Cousins has averaged 21.5 points, 11 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.2 blocks.
More NBA coverage from Yahoo Sports:
