Unfortunately, the NBA and the placement of its superstars isn’t a perfect science. Sometimes, a generation’s best players can get lost on hopeless teams, unwilling to go the LeBron James/Kevin Durant route in search of contention glory during free agency. DeMarcus Cousins appears to be one of those players, and it’s at times tough to watch.
The former University of Kentucky great and NCAA national champion came to Sacramento in hopes of being the leader of a consistently good young team. His numbers are ridiculous, and he’s easily one of the three best players in the league at his position. However, the Kings front office has failed time and time again to get a sufficient supporting cast on the court for Cousins, which is why rumors have swirled in each of the past two summers that he’ll soon depart for greener pastures.
During a recent presser, Cousins appeared to exude these very sentiments, especially when he was asked about the Kings’ offseason thus far–specifically, their NBA draft selections. (The only big move the team has made has been letting Rajon Rondo, who had a career year as the Kings point guard, walk and get signed by Chicago.)
At a recent Team USA practice, Cousins pretty much admitted that he’s lost. See for yourself.
I can’t control [the draft decisions]. I control what I can control. I don’t really understand it, but I do my job.
Chances are, you want your franchise player to “understand it.” Hey at least they have cool new logos.