HoopsHabit 2015-16 All-NBA Teams

6 of 16

Mar 30, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) controls the ball against Washington Wizards center Nene Hilario (42) during the second quarter at Sleep Train Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

All-NBA First Team

DeMarcus Cousins, Sacramento Kings

Position: Center

Age: 25

Slash Line: .451/.333/.718

Season Averages: 34.6 MPG, 26.9 PPG, 11.5 RPG, 2.4 ORPG, 3.3 APG, 1.6 SPG, 1.4 BPG, 1.1 3PM

The Sacramento Kings have missed the playoffs for the 10th consecutive season. Upsetting as that fact may be, it’s impossible to look at what starting center DeMarcus Cousins has been able to do in 2015-16 without applauding and heralding his efforts.

According to Basketball-Reference.com, Cousins is the first player to average at least 25.0 points, 10.0 rebounds, 1.5 steals, and 1.0 block since Hakeem Olajuwon in 1995-96.

Even being mentioned in the same breath as The Dream is a sign of how well Cousins performed as an individual player. He’s become one of the most dynamic offensive weapons in the NBA, and has become a more respectable defender.

Perhaps the most significant development in Cousins’ game is his average of 1.1 3-point field goals made per contest.

Cousins continues to expand his game every season, and the addition of an efficient 3-point field goal has rounded out his impressive arsenal of skills and moves. The next step is polishing said abilities to the point of being able to attack without turning the ball over or settling for long jump shots.

Missing the playoffs hurts, but Cousins has earned his spot on the All-NBA First Team.

Next: All-NBA Second Team: Guard