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NBA Player Power Rankings: Kevin Durant Surpassing LeBron?

By Maxwell Ogden

Dec 17, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) is defended by Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) in the third quarter at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 17, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) is defended by Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) in the third quarter at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 28, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) looks on during a free throw attempt by the New Orleans Pelicans during the fourth quarter at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans won 114-105. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 28, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) looks on during a free throw attempt by the New Orleans Pelicans during the fourth quarter at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans won 114-105. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

8. DeMarcus Cousins, Sacramento Kings

Last Rank: No. 8

Position: Power Forward

Age: 25

Slash Line: .446/.331/.727

Season Averages: 34.2 MPG, 27.1 PPG, 11.3 RPG, 2.5 ORPG, 2.9 APG, 1.4 BPG, 1.4 SPG, 1.1 3PM

Since scoring 48-plus points in back-to-back games, Sacramento Kings big man DeMarcus Cousins has cooled down. There have been a pair of duds, shooting 4-of-21 and 3-of-17, respectively, which has thus tempered immediate expectations.

Cousins also erupted for massive performances against the likes of Anthony Davis and Pau Gasol, which is reason enough to maintain excitement about the Sleep Train Arena’s resident star.

Cousins did it all during a 114-105 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans, recording 26 points, 10 rebounds, six assists, five blocks, and a steal in 41 minutes. He also tallied 30 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, three steals, and two blocks in 37 minutes against the Chicago Bulls.

Sacramento is still losing more than it’s winning, but it’s still only 2.5 games back of the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference.

Cousins’ numbers have yet to translate to consistent victories, and that is a blemish on his resume. He deserves to be a two-time All-Star, and his improved defensive effort is intriguing, but there’s an undeniable sense of uncertainty surrounding him.

If the Kings are to make the playoffs in 2015-16, they’ll need Cousins to shake the enigmatic reputation and lead them to the promise land.

Next: The Next Great One?