The basketball world remembers DeMarcus Cousins as one of the most dominant and skilled centers of his generation. A walking double-double, "Boogie" possessed an unmatched blend of size, strength, and agility, combined with exceptional court vision and shooting range for a big man. So, what happened to DeMarcus Cousins that prevented him from reaching the heights many predicted? This article explores the unfortunate series of events that derailed his once-promising career.
What Happened to DeMarcus Cousins: A Promising Start
DeMarcus Cousins entered the NBA in 2010 as the 5th overall pick by the Sacramento Kings. Almost immediately, he showcased his immense talent. Despite playing on often-struggling Kings teams, Cousins consistently put up stellar numbers. He averaged over 20 points and 10 rebounds per game in his second season and continued to improve, earning three All-Star selections during his time in Sacramento. He was widely regarded as one of the league's premier centers, a force to be reckoned with on both ends of the court. But even in Sacramento, whispers of attitude problems and clashes with coaches began to surface, foreshadowing some of the challenges to come.
What Happened to DeMarcus Cousins: The New Orleans Gamble
In February 2017, the Kings traded Cousins to the New Orleans Pelicans, teaming him up with another dominant big man, Anthony Davis. The pairing was initially seen as a potential "Twin Towers" revival, a frontcourt duo capable of wreaking havoc on opposing defenses. For a brief period, the experiment showed promise. Cousins and Davis displayed flashes of brilliance, overwhelming opponents with their combined size and skill. However, consistent success proved elusive. Injuries and a lack of consistent perimeter shooting hindered the team's overall performance.
Tragically, in January 2018, what happened to DeMarcus Cousins significantly altered the trajectory of his career. He suffered a devastating Achilles tendon tear during a game against the Houston Rockets. This injury, historically difficult for NBA players to fully recover from, proved to be a major turning point.
What Happened to DeMarcus Cousins: The Achilles Tear and Its Aftermath
The Achilles tendon tear is notorious for its impact on athleticism and explosiveness, critical attributes for a player like Cousins who relied on his agility and power in the paint. The injury not only sidelined him for the remainder of the 2017-18 season but also cast serious doubt on his long-term future in the league.
Following the injury, what happened to DeMarcus Cousins was a period of intense rehabilitation. He worked tirelessly to regain his strength and mobility, but the road to recovery was long and arduous. The Pelicans, uncertain about his ability to return to his previous form, did not offer him a new contract.
What Happened to DeMarcus Cousins: Chasing a Ring with the Warriors
In a surprising move, Cousins signed a one-year deal with the Golden State Warriors in the summer of 2018. The move was seen as a calculated risk for both parties. Cousins hoped to rehabilitate his image and showcase his talent on a championship-contending team, while the Warriors aimed to add another formidable weapon to their already stacked roster.
While Cousins did return to the court for the Warriors, he was noticeably diminished. He lacked the explosiveness and mobility that had once defined his game. Although he had moments of brilliance, he was no longer the dominant force he once was. The Warriors ultimately reached the NBA Finals but lost to the Toronto Raptors, further adding to Cousins's career frustrations.
What Happened to DeMarcus Cousins: A Series of Setbacks
After his stint with the Warriors, what happened to DeMarcus Cousins continued to be plagued by injuries. He signed with the Los Angeles Lakers but tore his ACL before the season even began, sidelining him for another extended period. He later had short stints with the Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Clippers, and Milwaukee Bucks, but he never regained his previous form.
These subsequent injuries and short-term contracts underscored the lasting impact of the Achilles tear. While Cousins showed flashes of his former self, he was never able to consistently perform at the All-Star level he had achieved earlier in his career.
What Happened to DeMarcus Cousins: Recent Years and Future Prospects
In recent years, DeMarcus Cousins has played internationally, including a stint in Taiwan. While he continues to pursue opportunities to return to the NBA, his chances of becoming a significant contributor on a contending team are slim. The combination of age, injuries, and a league that has increasingly moved away from traditional centers has made it difficult for him to find a consistent role.
What happened to DeMarcus Cousins serves as a cautionary tale about the fragility of an NBA career and the devastating impact that injuries can have on even the most talented players. While his career may not have reached its full potential, his undeniable skill and contributions to the game will always be remembered.
Who is DeMarcus Cousins: DeMarcus Amir Cousins (born August 13, 1990) is an American professional basketball player who last played for the Mets de Guaynabo of the Baloncesto Superior Nacional (BSN). A dominant center known for his scoring, rebounding, and passing ability, he has played in the NBA for the Sacramento Kings, New Orleans Pelicans, Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Clippers, Milwaukee Bucks, and Denver Nuggets. He was a four-time All-Star and two-time All-NBA selection.
Keywords: DeMarcus Cousins, NBA, Achilles tear, injury, Sacramento Kings, New Orleans Pelicans, Golden State Warriors, basketball, Boogie Cousins, Demarcus Cousins injury.
Summary Question and Answer:
Q: What happened to DeMarcus Cousins's NBA career? A: DeMarcus Cousins's career was significantly impacted by a devastating Achilles tendon tear in 2018, followed by subsequent injuries. While he continued to play in the NBA and internationally, he never regained his previous All-Star form.