Cousins interview
The
DeMarcus Cousins show was probably the highlight of the day, at least in terms of having levity. He was asked a ton of tough questions, but held in like a champ. He didn't try to be any different than the person he truly is and that's to be respected. He will have some bouts of immaturity and he didn't attempt to hide from it, instead embracing it and in the process disarming it.
Maybe it's because they're both incredible rebounders, who have battled fitness issues and are from Alabama, but there is a lot of
Charles Barkley in his personality. His delivery of answers is similar in the sense that he makes you laugh even if it is a one or two word answer.
"My work ethic is a lot better than it used to be," said Cousins, who says he's been on a diet of 'salad and seafood'.
Cousins was asked if a team was choosing between himself and Wall for the top pick, who would be the right selection.
"Depending on what the team needs," replied Cousins, in a serious but joking manner.
Toronto, Golden State and Minnesota had all interviewed Cousins before Thursday. The Raptors asked a lot of questions about his character, while the Warriors were concerned with his conditioning.
I asked Cousins if he's familiar with the Triangle offense, which is frequently run by Kurt Rambis and the Wolves.
"I know of it, but I've never played it."
"You saw a lot of back to the basket (from me) this year, because that's how I was told to play," said Cousins. "But I have a lot more aspects to my game."
As
Daniel Orton began his media session, Cousins was leaving and jokingly yelled out 'Dan-iel.'
I asked Orton what it was like to go up against Cousins in practice.
"It's fun," said Orton. "It's a battle everyday."
He was later asked to describe the personality of Cousins.
"Umm, yeah. That's the best way i can describe it. Unpredictable.
"He's a funny guy, a great guy to be around. People don't realize it, but he's a loving spirit; sometimes," Orton jokingly said.
"I've seen it get out of hand, but he can control it. It's kind of like watching a kid throw a temper tantrum."
Orton says he was measured at 6'8" or 6'9" without shoes, which is shorter than I was expecting. He appeared quite a bit shorter than Cousins and I think that will ultimately hurt his stock that seemed to be rising as teams took a closer look at his film.
"My pick and pop is something I did well in college (at practice), but never got to do in the game."
I asked Orton if he's a much better shooter than what we've seen.
"I know I am," said Orton. "I'm definitely a much better shooter than what I've shown."