Three games into the Las Vegas NBA Summer League, DeMarcus Cousins has been everything the Kings have expected and more. He's brought some much-needed toughness and physicality to the team, having thrown his big body around to move defenders, boxed out for rebounds, and drawn charges. Cousins has exhibited a strong feel for the game, sound post skills, and a smooth outside touch on his jump shot en route to accumulating a double-double in each contest. The rookie has also calmly hit a beautiful game-winning hook shot in the closing seconds of a tight game and thrown down a few rim-shattering dunks that must make new Kings commentator (and NBA legend) Bill Walton giddy.
The Kings' Impressive Cousins: The big man has averaged 18.3 points (10th in the league), 11.3 rebounds (second), two steals, and one block per game. But perhaps the most impressive aspect of his game has been his court vision and passing out of the double-team. Although he's only been credited with three assists per game (which is actually triple his collegiate output), he's made precise outlet passes, split the defense to find cutters at the rim, and consistently found open teammates in the half-court set. As presumptuous as it may sound, Cousins may already be one of the best passing big men in the NBA.
Of course, many of the areas that Cousins still needs to work on have been on full display in Vegas. While he leads Sacramento in scoring, Cousins has taken 48 field goals — 19 more than any other player on the team — to amass 55 points (46% FG) through three games. The voluminous shooter made only eight out of 20 attempts against the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday, and will need to learn to play more efficiently alongside Tyreke Evans in the regular season.
Although he's played solid defense and has blocked a few shots, Cousins has had trouble guarding players who stay out on the perimeter, and much like he did in college, has continued to rack up personal fouls (4.0 per game). He's also frequently over-dribbled and attempted to do too much offensively, committing five turnovers in each contest (6.5 per 40 minutes).
Still, powerful big men with NBA-ready talent and physique are hard to find, and it's easy to forget that Cousins has yet to play a minute of meaningful professional basketball. With a little improvement, it won't be a surprise if the 6'11'' bruiser plays his way into the starting lineup in time for the regular season opener.
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Article comments
1 - Stopping the World!!
I think Cousins will be one of the leading candidates for rookie of the year and give him and the kings team a couple of more years they will be back in playoff contention and renewing their rivalry with the Lakers.