DeMarcus Cousins Admits To Mistakes In Interview With Yahoo Sports, But Hopes To Continue Career

The relationship between the Kings and former DeMarcus Cousins had its ups and downs when the center played in Sacramento.

But, it’s been five years since the 2017 trade that shipped him to the New Orleans Pelicans for Buddy Hield, Tyreke Evans, and multiple draft picks. Many thought the combination of Cousins and center Anthony Davis would be a formidable pairing for years. The two were named to the 2018 All-Star game together, but he didn’t make it to the game. He tore his torn left Achilles and was done for the year.

Since then, he’s bounced around the league, signing with the Warriors, Lakers, Rockets, Clippers, Bucks and Nuggets. In six and a half seasons with the Kings, Cousins averaged 21.1 points, 10.8 rebounds and 3 assists per game. He currently ranks sixth in total rebounds and points and fourth in total blocks in Kings history.

“It would mean everything in the world to me to be back in the NBA,” Cousins said in an interview with Yahoo Sports’ Chris Haynes. “I know I belong in this league. I feel like I’ve paid my dues and earned my stripes. I’ve hit some bumps in the road with injuries and I’ve always worked my way back to be 100 percent healthy. I’ve worked my tail off to get back to this point. I just want the opportunity to show the work I’ve put in and continue to put in.”

The flip side of that is the number of technical fouls he’s accrued in his career, 143.  He acknowledged his mistakes, attributing his issues to his age, and figuring out the business when in Sacramento, noting he handled things the “incorrect way.” But he said he’s grown since then.

“Have I done things the wrong way? Absolutely. For that, I’m very apologetic,” Cousins told Haynes. “But I’ve done even more things the correct way and I’ve done even more positive things compared to my negatives. I just don’t want those positives to be overlooked. And obviously, whenever it gets to the point where the negatives outweigh the positives, you should probably move away from him. That’s just how life goes. But I don’t believe I’m in that boat. I’m just asking for a chance to show my growth as a man and a player.”

The 32-year-old Cousins is currently a free agent, hoping to sign with a team.

In an @YahooSports exclusive interview with free agent DeMarcus Cousins, he admits his mistakes as he pursues NBA comeback: 'Just asking for a chance to show my growth as a man and player' https://t.co/LXBZDLB6lw

— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) October 5, 2022

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