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Sacramento Kings: The Evolution Of DeMarcus Cousins

By Gerald Bourguet

March 24, 2015; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) celebrates after the game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Sleep Train Arena. The Kings defeated the 76ers 107-106. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
March 24, 2015; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) celebrates after the game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Sleep Train Arena. The Kings defeated the 76ers 107-106. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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DeMarcus Cousins
Feb 25, 2015; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) reacts to a call during the third quarter of the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at Sleep Train Arena. The Sacramento Kings defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 102-90. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports /

With the Sacramento Kings in the middle of a four-game win streak, now seems like as good a time as any to point out the brilliance of DeMarcus Cousins, who is blossoming into quite possibly the NBA’s best big man.

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But the truth is, Cousins has been in that conversation all year long, no matter what his team’s 26-45 record might say. Before Sacramento’s win over the Phoenix Suns Wednesday night, head coach George Karl had this to say about his embattled big man:

“Cousins is one of the most talented big guys I’ve ever seen play the game….he’s highly skilled and can do any aspect of the game of basketball.”

Say what you want about Karl’s inability to coach his way out of the first round, but the guy knows his stuff as one of the most successful regular season coaches in NBA history. To hear those words come from someone who’s been coaching in the league for 26 years…that means something.

The knocks against Cousins are easy enough to point out. Not a great defender. Bad attitude. Too many fouls, too many technical fouls. Putting up great numbers on a bunch of crappy teams.

But as the best season of his five-year career winds down, it’s worth taking a look at what makes DeMarcus Cousins such an underrated star and misunderstood leader. Cuz still has a lot to improve on, but if you think he’s an overrated head case who’s not capable of leading a franchise, you haven’t been paying attention.

Here’s a look at the evolution of DeMarcus Cousins’ game and why he’s destined for great things…if the Kings can ever put the right supporting cast around him.

Next: The Numbers

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