By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
DeMarcus Cousins expressed his desire to return to the Sacramento Kings with the goal of helping the team return to the playoffs. The 32-year-old veteran center has been a free agent since he finished the 2021-22 season with the Denver Nuggets.
“Would love to help Sac get back to the playoffs,” Cousins wrote in a reply to a tweet by Kings reporter Dave Carmichael, saying that the four-time All-Star center should be considered by Sacramento.
The Kings are currently the record-holders for having the most years without any playoff appearance. They last made the postseason in 2007, three years before they brought in Cousins after selecting him with the fifth overall pick in the NBA Draft.
Cousins emerged as a star big man during his stint with the Kings but didn’t manage to lead the team in the playoffs. He was named to the All-NBA Second Team in 2015 and 2016 and was an All-Star in 2015, 2016 and 2017 before he got traded to the New Orleans Pelicans during the All-Star weekend.
In an interview with Yahoo Sports in October, Cousins talked about how he practices individually and stays in shape in order to be ready if he’s offered a deal.
Per Yahoo Sports:
It would mean everything in the world to me to be back in the NBA,” Cousins told Yahoo Sports. “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. I also just want an opportunity to also earn my keep and that’s all I really want. I have a lot left in the tank. A whole lot. I feel like I’ve actually become an even better player, just sharpening all my skills. I’ve had nothing but time in the gym. I’ve gotten better in all aspects of my game.