DeMarcus Cousins: the Bad Boy Boogie of Basketball

DeMarcus Cousins, one the most prolific big man in the NBA. with his height, athleticism, shooting range and his sheer massive size is a force to be reckoned with. Through his all star stint in the Sacramento Kings, his short lived duo with Anthony Davis in the New Orleans Pelicans and to the numerous teams he had in the past years as a solid role player, he has proven himself an invaluable asset to any team hee has been in. if not for injuries I’m sure that he would have still been playing in his prime. Now he is rumored to play for the Talk and Text Tropang Giga team in the PBA, which if proven to be true will spark some heated debates on the PBA odds today. In this article we take a look back in this man’s career up until now.

Early Career and Rise to Stardom

Cousins’ basketball journey began at LeFlore Magnet High 918kiss in Mobile, where he was a standout player, earning McDonald’s All-American honors. He then took his talents to the University of Kentucky, where he played under legendary coach John Calipari. During his lone season with the Wildcats, Cousins averaged 15.1 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game, showcasing his immense potential as a dominant force in the paint.

In the 2010 NBA Draft, Cousins was selected with the fifth overall pick by the Sacramento Kings. His impact was immediate, earning NBA All-Rookie First Team honors in his debut season. Over the next several years, Cousins established himself as one of the league’s premier big men, known for his scoring ability, rebounding prowess, and versatility on both ends of the floor. He was a four-time NBA All-Star during his tenure with the Kings and consistently ranked among the league leaders in points and rebounds.

Challenges and Resilience

Despite his individual success, Cousins’ time with the Kings was marred by team struggles and off-court controversies. His passionate and sometimes volatile demeanor led to conflicts with coaches and management. In 2017, the Kings traded Cousins to the New Orleans Pelicans, where he teamed up with fellow All-Star Anthony Davis. The duo formed a formidable frontcourt partnership, but injuries soon began to plague Cousins’ career.

In January 2018, Cousins suffered a devastating Achilles tendon injury that sidelined him for the remainder of the season. Despite the setback, he worked diligently to return to the court and signed with the Golden State Warriors for the 2018-2019 season. However, his injury woes continued, as he suffered a torn quadriceps during the playoffs. Cousins’ perseverance was on display as he made a triumphant return during the NBA Finals, though the Warriors ultimately fell short.

Recent Years and Future Prospects

Cousins’ journey took him to several teams in the following years, including the Los Angeles Lakers, Houston Rockets, and the Los Angeles Clippers. Despite flashes of his former brilliance, injuries continued to hamper his ability to maintain a consistent presence on the court. His contributions were valuable, but he struggled to regain the dominant form that once made him an All-Star.

As of 2024, Cousins remains a free agent, navigating the uncertainty of his basketball future. His resilience and determination to overcome adversity have earned him respect throughout the league. While injuries have undoubtedly impacted his career trajectory, Cousins’ skill set and basketball IQ make him a valuable asset to any team willing to take a chance on him.