DeMarcus Cousins is arguably the best free agent available. Even heading into the 2022-23 season, NBA teams are not interested in signing the 11-year veteran.
The four-time All-Star last played for the Denver Nuggets during the 2021-22 season. In 31 games, Cousins averaged 8.9 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game. He also shot 46% from the floor and 30.3% from downtown.
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His performance is not an issue. The problems are deeper. In a phone interview with Yahoo Sports, DeMarcus Cousins shed some light on NBA executives ignoring him.
“Did I make a mistake? Absolutely,” the former Nugget explained. “Did I do things the wrong way? Absolutely. I’m very sorry for that.”
But I’ve actually done a lot of things and I’ve done more positive things than my negative sides. I don’t want those positives to be overlooked.
“And obviously, any time it gets to the point where the negatives outweigh the positives, you should probably stay away from it. Life is like that. But I don’t think I’m in that boat. I’m asking for an opportunity to show my growth as a man and a player.”
DeMarcus Cousins hopes an NBA team will offer him a contract during the 2022-23 season.
During the offseason, some rumors linked Cousins to the Boston Celtics, Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Lakers. However, nothing happened.
The Kentucky product is also staying in great shape. He said he is working out, practicing his jump shots and participating in sparring sessions at the gym.
However, some coaches think DeMarcus Cousins is a headache to work with. While playing for the Sacramento Kings in 2015, the center tried to get current head coach George Karl fired.
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— DeMarcus Cousins (@boogiecousins) June 23, 2015
As a result, both sides made a trade. Although it did not fall into his favor. During the 2016-17 season, the Kings traded Cousins to the New Orleans Pelicans.
On the other hand, Nuggets head coach Michael Malone and Warriors head coach Steve Kerr often praise the center for his hard work on the court.
“I think the stereotype of me is that I’m this angry monster who tortures people, beats people up, doesn’t train, and has cancer in a holding cell,” Cousins continued. “I think it’s all a lie, and I played for the coach [John] Calipari, famous coach. So I was more than a coach.
Unfortunately for DeMarcus’ relatives, public perception is reality. He has burned many bridges in the past. He will remain unsigned through the 2022-23 season unless the Warriors or Nuggets offer the Patriots another contract.
Many years have passed since then. Only time can allow a general manager to let bygones be bygones. Again, a season-ending injury to a star player is one of the ways Cousins returns to the league.