DeMarcus Cousins is not writing off the Sacramento Kings.
Or himself.
Through Cousins’ first five NBA seasons, the Kings have not only failed to make a single playoff appearance, they’ve yet to even win 30 games. Despite another offseason infected with rumors and marked by turnover, Cousins thinks that can change.
Per Bleacher Report’s Kevin Ding:
“To have playoff expectations, it’s an exciting feeling,” Cousins said. “It’s one I’ve never felt.”
Hmmm…I’m not exactly sure who expects the Kings to earn a playoff spot. I mean, the Western Conference is big, man. As in, stocked with superteams.
The top-six spots are basically a wash. The Golden State Warriors, San Antonio Spurs, Houston Rockets, Oklahoma City Thunder, Los Angeles Clippers and Memphis Grizzlies should all dominate the top 75 percent of the conference. That leaves the Kings to contend with the Dallas Mavericks, New Orleans Pelicans, Phoenix Suns and Utah Jazz for one of those final two playoff spots. And, looking at their roster, from Rajon Rondo and Rudy Gay, to Ben McLemore and Willie Cauley-Stein, the idea that the Kings will be better than three of those teams feels severely farfetched.
But, we move on. Because in addition to believing that Sacramento has playoff expectations to uphold, Cousins also believes he’s ready to enter the MVP conversation.
From Ding again:
The topic is the 2015-16 NBA MVP award and whether it could be reachable for DeMarcus Cousins.
“Reachable, man?” Cousins told Bleacher Report, his voice rising high. “It’s mine to grab.”
Now we’re talking.
Cousins as an MVP candidate isn’t ridiculous in theory. He’s one of the NBA’s best, if not its absolute best center. He can score in the post, shoot, pass and even defend when the mood strikes. The whole temper-tantrum-prone thing has even been blown out of proportion, in that it’s an outdated and untrue form of criticism, over the last year. Cousins also has the profoundly impactful credentials down.
The Kings’ net rating last season when Cousins wasn’t on the floor was almost as bad as the Philadelphia 76ers’, according to NBA.com. Meanwhile, when he was in the game, the Kings posted a positive net rating, one that was admittedly low (0.1) but would have been better that nine of the 15 teams in the Eastern Conference.
So no, the notion of Cousins as a sleeper MVP candidate isn’t crazy. The hope that he’ll legitimately be considered is.
It’s sad but true. The NBA MVP race is begging for reform. Right now, MVPs come from the best teams. Not one of the last 30 recipients played for a squad that finished worse than third in their respective conference. And news flash: The Kings won’t be contending for a top-three slot in the West.
For the same reason Anthony Davis will still struggle next season to replace Stephen Curry, James Harden and LeBron James as one of the NBA’s primary MVP staples, Cousins’ eligibility will be largely, if not wholly periphery.
In the end, Cousins, despite what history implies and what the voters will inevitably say, will just have to settle for knowing that he’s an MVP-type talent without an MVP award.
