NBA Player Power Rankings: Ranking The League’s Top 10 Centers
By John Kim
8. DeMarcus Cousins, Sacramento Kings
April 14, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) reacts after he was called for a technical foul in the first quarter against the Houston Rockets at the Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Cousins is one of the most frustrating players in the NBA, because he is one of the more talented big men of the league, but the talent is negated by his astounding immaturity.
This past season, Cousins averaged 17.1 points, 9.9 rebounds and 2.7 assists. On a remarkably bad Sacramento Kings team, Cousins leads the team in points and rebounds. With Tyreke Evans a mere ghost of what he used to be (funny to say since he’s only been in the league four years), Cousins has to shoulder the offense.
Cousins is one of the better shooting and passing big men of the league, and a center with an ability to pass the ball is a rare commodity. A center who also has the ability to space the floor and shoot the ball is even more highly sought.
Cousins is most effective in the post but has a tendency to settle for lazy jump shots. He has the talent to be a Top 5 center in the league, but unless he matures, he will fall in obscurity shortly.