The Houston Rockets are hoping that the additions of former All-Stars John Wall and DeMarcus Cousins, who have both battled injuries, will help them reach the next level for the 2020-2021 season.
Judging from their preseason debut, the Rockets may get what they want.
Wall was impressive in his first action after missing close to two years because of heel and Achilles tendon injuries, and Cousins did as well during his return from a torn ACL that wiped out his entire season last year.
“Tonight was just great to be back in an NBA game, period,” Wall, who dropped 13 points to go along with 5 rebounds and 9 assists, said, according to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon.
Cousins, who played with Wall while the two were at Kentucky, poured in 14 points with 5 rebounds, 2 steals and 2 blocks in 15 minutes on the floor.
“It’s step by step with those guys,” Rockets coach Stephen Silas said. “We really didn’t know what to expect when those guys walked through the door, both of them coming off of injuries. They both played very well tonight. They both looked really good. They were fun. Hopefully, this is something we can build off of, but it’s a day-by-day thing.”
“I just knew I was back,” Wall said. “I know how much hard work I’ve been through the last two years. It was a surreal moment for me even though it was preseason.”
“Man, cool feeling,” Cousins said. “I kind of had flashbacks to being back in college where I would get caught up kind of watching the show of John. I had a few moments tonight just trying to wait and see what he had up his sleeve next to do. It’s a really cool feeling. I’m glad I’m able to share the floor with a guy I consider my brother.”
“It was a good showing for whoever’s watching, whoever’s interested as well,” Cousins said. “It shows that it’s still a really good team here, regardless of the circumstances that are floating around the team right now. It’s still a really good team in place, a lot of talent. We’re not rolling over because a few pieces are missing. We’re going to go out and perform. Hopefully, those pieces join us and we continue to improve as a team.”
