LAS VEGAS Nev.– Sacramento Kings’ emotionally fueled center DeMarcus Cousins is here at the NBA mini-camp on the campus of UNLV, fighting to make a roster spot on the Team USA’s World Championship team. But the 23-year-old, 6-11, 270 pound giant is also trying to salvage his reputation, which took a huge hit last summer when he played for the USA Select team that provided the 2012 Olympic team with some pre-tournament scrimmage competition at the Mendenhall Center.
Cousins is a huge talent, but he became the big story of the camp when he showed up one day and self-destructed, becoming too physical on the floor for his own good and his team’s own good. He showed questionable body language and was all over the officials, prompting USA managing director Jerry Colangelo to question his maturity and suggested he needed to grow up to become a part of the program. Cousins saw as hard work, Colangelo labeled as out of control behavior, which set Cousins off. Cousins met privately with Colangelo
“I went out of my way to ask,” Cousins admitted at the time. “I wanted to know, and I kind of took offense to it. I really came here trying to play hard and just be above that. … For him to say that, it was kind of messed up.”
Colangelo has since apologized, claiming his cranky mood was caused by eating bad fish. But the topic came up again this week, as the media attempted to drag Cousins back into the controversy.
“I think this whole thing was blown out of proportion,” Cousins said. “What was said between us wasn’t as bad as it was. I still got to learn from those situations. I appreciate the opportunity to come back here and show what I can do.”
Cousins has made an immediate impact in the NBA. When he was a rookie, he scored a game high 33 points, a team high 14 rebounds, one assist, three steals and one block in 27 minutes in helping the Rookies to a 148-140 victory over the sophomores in the Rookie Challenge at NBA All Star weekend. Last year, as a third year player, he averaged 30.5 minutes, 17.1 points, 9.9 rebounds, 2.7 assist and 1.4 steals and shot a career best 46.5 percent from the field and a career best 73.8 percent from the line. Cousins was ranked ninth in the NBA in rebounding, 11th in free throw attempts, 13th in offensive rebounds and double doubles.
In many ways, he has become the new face of the franchise. But Cousins has been plagued by occasional melt downs. He feuded at times with former Kings coach Paul Westphal in 2012. Westphal, still with the Kings, said Cousins asked to be traded twice, prompting Westphal to tell him not to accompany the team on the road against the New Orleans Hornets. Cousins, who played one season at Kentucky, also has had issues with his temper on the court. He shared the NBA lead in technical fouls (12) with Oklahoma City Thunder big man Kendrick Perkins and often reveals his frustration with subpar effort.
Cousins is good enough and confident to help Team USA with his big body and physical low post skills at a posiiton Team USA is sorely lacking heading into the World championships next year in Spain. He is also confident enough.
When asked who he biggest competition among the bigs was at this camp, he replied, “No one.”
He also believes he is constantly maturing every season,” he said. “I think people forget I am just 23. It’s going to take time. This is a second chance. When this happened last year, I could have been stubborn and said, ‘Forget this.’ But I’m happy for the opportunity and want to make the most of it.’
“I’m an aggressive guy. That’s just my personality. But I have to be a leader.”
If Cousins can make good on those promises, he deserves a chance to make the roster. But actions speak louder than words with international officials, who have no time for acting out, as we saw in games involving the American U19 team in Prague. The slightest show of emotion can lead to a technical, which also counts as a personal foul and can create a negative tone for a team playing on the road.
Colangelo used the word, “poise” to describe the best way for American players to approach international competition. There are no guarantees Cousins can control himself, only the hope that he will. As for Team USA’s disciplined coach Mike Krzyzewski, he stayed far away from commenting on Cousins. Some players may just not cut out to be members of the United States senior team on his watch, despite their obvious talent.
“I’m not going to talk about any individual player,” Krzyzewski said. “It’s not my goal to highlight any one guy.”
Some players may just not cut out to be members of the United States senior team his watch, despite their obvious talent. Cousins should be an interesting test case.
