Sacramento Kings big man DeMarcus Cousins hasn’t always had the best relationship with the organization. Just earlier this season, Cousins had a disagreement with the Kings front office over the firing of head coach Mike Malone. He has been known as a little bit of a hothead throughout his career but he did show some real maturity under Malone. Since Malone got fired, we saw the man dubbed Boogie return to his old ways as his fury boiled over in a game against the Memphis Grizzlies. Since the firing, Cousins has had an even shakier relationship with the front office, but now they have a chance to finally please their franchise center.
The team holds the number six pick in the upcoming NBA draft and Cousins knows exactly who he wants them to take. Following according to ESPN’s Ryen Russillo.
Few trade notes. The scouts put WC Stein in special tier as a defensive player. Heard Cousins wants him @6 so he doesn't have to play C.
— Russillo (@ryenarussillo) June 11, 2015
As Russillo explained, the main reason Cousins wants 7’0″ Cauley-Stein in SacTown is so he can slide back over to his natural position, power forward. Boogie has substantially improved his defense over the past couple years but it still isn’t elite. Adding Cauley-Stein into the mix will give them one of the best pure rim protectors in this year’s draft. He would also fit into new head coach George Karl’s system well as he can push the ball on the break and is athletically gifted. There’s no guarantee Cauley-Stein will even be there at #6 due to interest from the New York Knicks and the Orlando Magic.
The Kings finally have a shot to get it right and please their franchise player one of the best young talents in the league. Cousins may also want Cauley-Stein due to the fact that he kept the #15 Kentucky jersey in good hands and got quality coaching under John Calipari. Pairing DeMarcus Cousins with Willie Trill Cauley-Stein (yes, that is now his real full name) in the front court could be a match made in heaven and create arguably the best big man combination in the entire NBA.
