Warriors’ big-man coach expecting the DeMarcus Cousins ‘that we know’

DENVER — Jarron Collins was a 32-year-old journeyman center when he drew the unenviable assignment of defending Sacramento’s dynamic rookie, DeMarcus Cousins.

“Bully ball,” Collins said Tuesday afternoon when asked what he recalls of his two attempts at trying to stop Cousins in an NBA game. “A lot of bully ball.”

Now the Warriors assistant coach who oversees the big men, Collins is working to prepare Cousins for his Golden State debut Friday night against the Clippers at Staples Center. It is no simple task. One of the most dominant centers in the world when healthy, Cousins is attempting to acclimate midseason into an All-Star-laden roster while coming off a career-changing torn left Achilles tendon.