NBA Player Power Rankings: Draymond Green is Rising

NBA Player Power Rankings: Draymond Green Surging

Dec 25, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (left) reacts as Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (right) looks on in the first half of a NBA basketball game on Christmas at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

12 of 23

Jan 2, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) dribbles to the basket while defended by Phoenix Suns center Tyson Chandler (4) during the first quarter of the NBA game at Sleep Train Arena. Mandatory Credit: Godofredo Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

12. DeMarcus Cousins, Sacramento Kings

Last Rank: No. 12

Position: Power Forward

Age: 25

Slash Line: .431/.310/.738

Season Averages: 33.1 MPG, 25.1 PPG, 10.9 RPG, 2.4 ORPG, 2.6 APG, 1.4 BPG, 1.3 SPG, 1.1 3PM

For most of 2015-16, DeMarcus Cousins has struggled to create the ideal balance between his recently added 3-point shot and his interior prowess. His statistics have been tremendous, and the Sacramento Kings are improving, but Cousins’ inefficiency has been startling.

He hasn’t made a full recovery, but the 25-year-old is beginning to perform at the level necessary for Sacramento to win games.

Cousins opened the week with 32 points on 11-of-15 shooting in a 142-119 regulation outgunning of the Phoenix Suns. He posted 33 points and 19 rebounds in a 116-104 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder, and had 35 points, 17 boards, four assists, and six steals in a heartbreaking 117-116 loss to the Dallas Mavericks.

This was the type of week that Cousins needed to get back on track.

The production is undeniable; Boogie is No. 6 in the NBA in both points and rebounds per game. As a big man shooting 43.1 percent from the field on a below-.500 team, however, the statistics lose a bit of their luster.

Cousins is a Top 10 talent, but he’ll need to play with more consistency to secure and legitimize a Top 10 ranking.

Next: Overwhelming Inconsistency