NBA Debate: Does DMC Deserve a King-Sized Raise in Sacramento?
DeMarcus Cousins will have a chance to prove himself with the Sacramento Kings. The franchise is set to extend his deal—reportedly around the maximum-- before the October 31 deadline of contract extensions for 2010 first-round picks.
As with the history of the volatile but talented 23-year-old, the possible signing will come with a caveat and heaps of questions.
Is Cousins a malcontent? Can he be trusted as a franchise player despite past run-ins with teammates and coaches? Should the Kings offer him the maximum contract worthy of a franchise player even with probable extra baggage and an attitude problem?
For the new Kings front office, it appears that they are willing to take the risk and more.
According to ESPN.COM, new Kings general manager Pete D’Alessandro will be resuming negotiations with Cousins as early as this week.
While no exact figure has been mentioned, the 5th overall pick of the 2010 NBA Draft will most likely demand a contract worth around $80 million for five years— the amount and length similar to some of 2010 draft lottery picks’ new contracts or probable new contracts.
1st overall pick John Wall of the Washington Wizards is signed for roughly $68M for five years. 10th pick Paul George of the Indiana Pacers is reportedly about to sign a contract worth around $90M for the same length. 15th pick Larry Sanders of the Milwaukee Bucks meanwhile, signed for what looks like a bargain of $44M for four years.
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The criticism on Cousins is both for the on and off the court antics. Despite capable numbers of 16.3 points and 9.8 rebounds per game, his main weakness has been his defense and constant fouling on that end of the floor.
And of course, the attitude problem that has haunted Cousins’ career so far in the NBA.
In the 2011-12 season, then head coach Paul Westphal sent Cousins home from a Kings' game because Cousins was "unable to embrace traveling in the same directions as his team."
In the 2012-13 season, he was suspended indefinitely mid-December by the Kings because of "unprofessional behavior and conduct detrimental to the team.”
However, the Kings are positive that the promise of DMC will be realized eventually.
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Recently, the franchise welcomed future Hall of Famer to the fold as a minority owner. The arrival of the affable big man is seen as a move that can bring positive influence to Cousins.