Cousins still aiming to return for training camp

An optimistic outlook for DeMarcus Cousins after he ruptured his Achilles tendon - one of the most debilitating injuries - back in January was that he'd be able to return months into the start of the 2018-19 campaign, if even that.

Cousins, meanwhile, has never stopped believing that he could be back on the hardwood much sooner.

"I'm still shooting for training camp," Cousins told The Undefeated's Marc J. Spears. "It's not BS. It wasn't a comment just to sound good in free agency."

The four-time All-Star center said back in May that starting the regular season was his "personal goal," and now that he's joined a team with a championship outlook, he certainly has more incentive to get out there and build a rapport.

Cousins is now a member of the Golden State Warriors on a reported one-year, $5.3-million contract - a move which allows him to compete in the playoffs for the first time.

Related: Twitter floored by Cousins joining champion Warriors

It's difficult to predict the type of talent Boogie will be upon his grand return. Achilles injuries have hindered the play of several players over the years, most notably Kobe Bryant after he got hurt in March 2013. What Cousins does have going in his favor, though, is being a part of one of the strongest cores the NBA has ever seen, which alleviates much the pressure when he's eventually cleared.

His transition should be a smooth one, and if he can prove his worth, the max contract he initially desired could be waiting for him at this time next year.