New Warriors big man DeMarcus Cousins is very close to making his debut - and Kevin Durant can tell because he's louder than usual.

Cousins, who hasn't played since his Achilles tear in January while still part of the New Orleans Pelicans, joined Golden State on a one-year deal during the off-season but has spent the campaign working on his rehabilitation.

The Warriors are planning to have him practice with their G-League affiliate side and he could play at least one competitive game in the lower tier before returning.

RELATED: DeMARCUS COUSINS WILL PRACTICE WITH WARRIORS' G-LEAGUE AFFILIATE BEFORE MAKING RETURN

Speaking to reporters on Friday, ahead of his side's clash with the Milwaukee Bucks, Durant opened up on Cousins' recovery process.

"He's just a little bit louder than usual," the forward told reporters, per The Athletic's Anthony Slater. "Every time he starts to talk a little more, that means something good is happening and that's a good sign for us.

"He looks good, I watched him play five-on-five and his handle looks great, shot looks good. It's just a matter of getting back to feeling the flow of the game.

"You can see he's a little bit more excited because he's getting closer and closer. You could just tell that he's on his way back. When you have basketball taken away from you for so long, you'll have your good and bad days but he's been good for us."

Draymond Green has missed a few games with a toe injury himself and was hoping to return on Friday. Steve Kerr, however, isn't looking to rush him back to action. Durant was asked whether Green has been louder too and confirmed it is indeed the case.

"Oh yeah. He's a little bit more excited, both of them are excited!" he declared.

"You could tell they're close to playing. We definitely miss him [Green] out there and looking forward to having him back."

What This Means

The Warriors have recovered from their earlier blip and are continuing to win games despite their injury problems.

Cousins could return to playing before the turn of the year, something which could leave the rest of the NBA under serious threat as the current champions are likely to get even more formidable with him in the lineup.

NEXT: KEVIN DURANT WANTS TO OWN AN NBA TEAM AFTER HE RETIRES