Player Name: DeMarcus Cousins (Sacramento Kings)
Position: Center
Height/Weight: 6-foot-11/270 pounds
Why you need to watch him on NBA League Pass: Known to many as “Boogie”, Cousins’ reputation precedes him nearly everywhere he goes. But if you spend too much time focused on his bark you’ll miss out on his bite on the court, which is formidable. An old-fashioned, low-post brute, Cousins rules the paint on a nightly basis with a slick mix of power and finesse around the basket. The Kings are still a work in progress, but the one thing they have in Cousins is the rarest of things in today’s game: a bona fide dominant big man.
Anyone worried about how he’ll get along with Kings coach George Karl after a summer filled with speculation about the two biggest personalities and egos needing a divorce needs to relax. Neither one of them is going anywhere anytime soon. In fact, Cousins saw his numbers increase (24.9 points, 13.3 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.9 blocks) in 18 games with Karl pulling the strings.
Yes, Boogie and Karl will butt heads a time or two or three or 33 … you get the point. And with Rajon Rondo also in the mix this season there is potential for fireworks at any time. There is also a good chance the Kings will make a little noise this season behind the continued emergence of Boogie, an All-NBA second team pick last season. Even with all of the extemporaneous drama, he finds a way to impose his will on the opposition at all times. There won’t be a dull moment this season with the Kings.
— Sekou Smith, NBA.com
