While DeMarcus Cousins has put up excellent numbers throughout his entire NBA career, he has taken his game to another level this season, recording 26.1 PPG, 12.5 RPG, 5.1 APG, 1.5 BPG, and 1.5 SPG through his first 29 contests.
If the Pelicans continue to hold a playoff spot and Cousins stays hot, he could even be in the MVP consideration at season’s end. However, the big man tells Marc J. Spears of The Undefeated that’s not a priority. Suggesting that he’d be happy with a Pelicans win even if he took just two shots all game, Cousins said he doesn’t care about “numbers” or “All-NBA.”
In addition to addressing the MVP conversation – he views the award as a “popularity contest” – and griping about how quickly referees are willing to slap him with a technical foul, Cousins also weighed in on a few topics related to his potential short- and long-term future with the Pelicans. Here are some of the highlights from his comments to Spears:
On whether he thinks the Pelicans could trade him before the deadline:
“I am confident in my team. I am starting to understand this business a lot more than I did before. You can kind of tell when things are about to come about. We’re a very competitive team. A talented team. I don’t think that will be the case at all.”
On teammate Anthony Davis encouraging him to re-sign with the Pelicans:
“A.D. hits me with little jabs about free agency all the time, but he also understands. It was Jrue [Holiday] in that situation last [offseason], and we understood his situation. Of course, they throw their little jabs. They throw their little jokes. But they are serious at the same time. They are respectful about it at the same time. … They have been great about it. It’s never been like a pressure thing. But I know where their heart is and they know where mine is. We have a great understanding.”
On the prospect of making the postseason for the first time in his NBA career:
“It would definitely be a special moment for me. I am a super competitive guy. I come out to play every night no matter who it is in front of me. And I love to win. I hate losing more than I love to win. To be able to reach that goal, something I haven’t been able to do in my career, which is sad, that would be one of the more special moments of my career so far.”
I really hope he comes to the Lakers but then again I hope ant bug free agent finally comes to the Lakers after striking out for the however many years. But this guy is number one on my list of players I hope they get, the guy is just a beast and there is no other way to describe his play.
I’m not sure Cousins would be attracted to the traditional attractions of LA… beaches, wealth, glitz… LA may be just another city to him, albeit with worse traffic.
He would probably be good with L. Ball though. Ball can pass but not shoot? Thays okay, pass it to the center then! Nance would be a good compliment. I would look at LA.
Hope boogie stays will be a sad moment if he leaves
Cousins definitely 100% cares about numbers and would definitely not be happy taking 2 shots a game.
lmaoo thats a fact
me being a homer… i want him on the bulls lol. hoiberg couldnt handle him though
Say what you want about him, but he’s easily in the top 5 centers in the game, and hasn’t been a distraction at all in NO. Sac gave him a bad reputation but that front office was a mess
? Bad reputation???? Wasn’t Sac fault he couldn’t control his anger. He gave his self a bad name
I could see the pelicans make the playoffs but not make the finals! What I see the CAVs need Demarcus Cousin and Demarcus Cousin needs the CAVs. If he push for a trade he could put 3 rings on
his fingers and the world can see his talent The CAVs need a rim protector and a person who could shoot the 3 and destroy the Warriors. Tell me your view point!
I think he will re-sign fairly quickly. I don’t think the Cavs can even make an offer. And as far as a trade, the prospect that Cousins could win 3 titles with the cavs will not encoutage the Pel FO to deal him there!