You may read the title and go “Where did that come from?”
It dates back to when DeMarcus Cousins was in High School. And Charles Barkley criticised his game. That was it.
All these years later, Cousins is one of the most promising big men in the game with his high motor and a great balance of offensive and defensive ability.
But DeMarcus Cousins still holds a grudge according to Bleacher Report. Barkley however has the upmost respect for Boogie Cousins. This seems a bit one sided.
“I will have no respect for you and I never will. We have nothing to talk about. So, yes, every time we see each other, there will never be words.”
Barkley wishes he understood why Cousins holds such a grudge against him. He acknowledges that when Cousins was in high school, he went down to see him in a state playoff game. As Barkley remembers it, Cousins complained to referees incessantly, fouled out and picked up a couple of technical fouls in the process.
“I made a very conscious effort not to be too hard on him,” Barkley said. “I said he had a chance to be really good; I just told the reporters afterward that I was a little disappointed. Since then, I’ve also said he could be the best big man in the game if he’d just grow up. He’s never had a strong coach that held him accountable. I wish he’d had a Pat Riley or Gregg Popovich or George Karl or Doc Rivers that would’ve held his feet to the fire.”
Cousins insists Barkley said much more, but what truly vexes him is that Barkley would say anything that could endanger a kid from Alabama’s dream of making it big, knowing how rare that is for anyone from the Cotton State.
“Coming up as a kid and hearing that from one of the best players ever to come out of Alabama,” Cousins said, “a guy people grow up looking up to, to hear him say, ‘Well, he’s not that good…’ I remember it like it was yesterday. Then, coming into my rookie season, you take up for your ex-coach and say I’m the worst thing that ever happened to Sacramento on national TV. Yeah, I’m going to remember.”
Personally. I think Cousins is taking the criticism wrong. It’s fine to have a grudge. But use it as motivation. If it hurts. Take it out on your opponent. Dunk on them, let off steam every time you think of it. Besides. From what Barkley has said. I think Cousins is kind of blowing the quote out of proportion. It was in his High School days. He’s grown up since then.
I don’t know, I don’t think we would all get it. Because Barkley is a basketball legend in the state of Alabama. I guess he’s sort of a hero to DMC and Cousins feels like his heart was broken before he even got serious about his basketball career.
