It’s crazy to see Demarcus Cousins not in the NBA anymore. Once viewed as a premier center, his personality and demeanor was a question mark but he made the game fun and exciting to watch. Now, the question remains how the big man is not playing this season and what he must do to get back.
Meet Demarcus
Cousins was drafted fifth overall by the Sacramento Kings in the 2010 NBA Draft. He was the main centerpiece for a team hoping it would make it snap a cold streak. Cousins made an immediate impact, posting career averages of 21.1 points, 10.8 rebounds, and shooting 45 percent in his seven seasons with Sacramento. He was the most dominant player at his position by grabbing rebounds, scoring from the post, blocking shots, and shooting efficiently from the perimeter. Cousins proved to be the most loyal superstar in the league. He could have asked for a trade but instead remained loyal to the Kings throughout his tenure.
The injury-plagued seasons
On Feb. 20, 2017, Cousins was traded from Sacramento to the New Orleans Pelicans. He was finally on a path to entering the playoffs. Working together with fellow All-Star Anthony Davis, the duo showed promise for the future and New Orleans. Unfortunately, during his second season with New Orleans, Cousins tore his Achilles. It would be his last season in New Orleans as the Pelicans never made a contract offer after his injury. When he became a free agent, Cousins did not garner interest from many teams. He soon signed with the 2018 champion Golden State Warriors but appeared in just 30 games while rehabbing his injury.
Cousin’s injury history continued to accumulate. After leaving Golden State, he signed with the Los Angeles Lakers but quickly tore his ACL in a pick-up game. He bounced between the Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Clippers but is now a free agent.
How is he not in the league?
The question remains: how is Cousins not in the NBA? Cousins, 31, remains unsigned as the season continues. He could have easily made a roster yet no team has a significant interest in him. Cousins can still play at a very high level, would easily adapt into today’s NBA, and would fit perfectly for title contender or a team looking for a starting-caliber center for the minimum. There were rumors that he received interest from overseas teams, but it seems like he still wants to contend and get back into the league however he does it.
During his time in the league, Cousins has improved every season and adapted to the game as it evolves. He would easily make any team better just by being on the floor. Teams will most likely look at Cousins when it gets closer to the playoffs. Title contenders will analyze their rosters to fill an extra spot as they make a run for the finals. At the same time, young and developing teams in need of veteran leadership would be a perfect fit, too. Cousins seems healthy and ready to get back in the league to prove that he’s still got it.
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One Response
It’s pretty easy. The dude is a garbage defender. Low basketball IQ and low efficiency scoring. He helps your team lose.