DeMarcus Cousins #0 of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts during the second half of a game against the Houston Rockets at the Smoothie King Center on February 23, 2017, in New Orleans, Louisiana. Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images/AFP
DeMarcus Cousins is certainly in the upper echelon of centers in today’s NBA.
Although his talent is undeniable, the 27-year-old Kentucky product remains hounded by his fair share of turmoil—particularly during the six and a half seasons he spent with the dysfunctional Sacramento Kings.
Now a member of the New Orleans Pelicans, the three-time NBA All-Star revealed that he should have bolted out of the franchise much sooner than he did.
“My biggest regret is, why didn’t I leave when I had the chance,” the mercurial big man told ESPN’s Marc J. Spears.
“I had the chance, but I fought it. … I wanted to give it a chance. My representatives, they told me I shouldn’t stay. You know, being…I guess you can say stubborn and loyal, I wanted to make things work.”
Before teaming up with another generational talent in Anthony Davis, Cousins shouldered much of the load for the lowly Kings, who failed to clinch a playoff spot throughout his tenure.
The constant losing only fueled Cousins’ frustration, which eventually led to his inevitable exit.
“When you come in, you know it’s a business. How are you going to be loyal to something that hasn’t been loyal to any player that’s ever played this game? I was a fool,” he said.
With his return to the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento looming, Cousins bared his expectation on facing his former team.
“I’m excited to play in front of the fans and see their reaction,” he said. “But as far as it just being like a revenge game or anything, I’m past it. I’m in a good place, I’m happy where I’m at. We have a chance to win. We’re playing for something. So I’m good.”
The now revamped Kings will host the Pelicans on Thursday (Friday in Manila). Khristian Ibarrola /ra