DeMarcus Cousins reflects on the wild ride it’s been for the Sacramento Kings this season.
The Sacramento Kings, led by DeMarcus Cousins, had one of the best starts to the season in the first couple of weeks with a 9-6 record. That was until Cousins was sidelined for 10 games with a viral infection, which resulted in the Kings dropping seven of nine games.
As a result of the slide, the Kings organization followed by firing head coach Mike Malone, which stirred it’s own strange controversy, but was rooted in trying to implement a more uptempo playing style. Interim coach Ty Corbin was signed on for the remainder of the season, that was until George Karl was brought in.
DeMarcus Cousins on the roller coaster of a season for his Kings, via Michael Lee of the Washington Post:
“It’s been a circus, man. It’s been a complete circus,” a flustered Cousins said, when asked to describe this season. “We got off to a hot start. Unfortunately, I got sick, so it ruined the look of the team. I take some blame for that. I know for a fact, if I wouldn’t have gotten sick, things wouldn’t have happened the way it happened. It was no way it could. At the same time, a lot of it is not my fault and we all know why. But this has been a disappointing year.” …
“I think I carry more weight than the average player,” Cousins said. “Coming in, I never was in a great situation — coming at such a young age, not really understanding the business. I came in, franchise that’s been doing bad for a long time, I came with my own baggage, some earned, some given to me or whatever.” …
“I care; I really care,” he said. “I take my job serious. I love to play the game. It ain’t about the money, not about the fame. I care. The biggest thing I can admit is I’m not perfect and I know that.”
Cousins is still maturing and developing not just as a player, but more so as a leader and the centerpiece of the Kings franchise. Most would attest to his attitude significantly improving, but he still has work to do. His play and talent level on the court was never in question, just his effort and demeanor.
Even from his words, you get the sense that Cousins will continue to make the necessary efforts to become the leader his team needs. He and the Kings will have a chance to grow together in the offseason under a new system and experienced leadership.
