There is definitely no doubt that his tendency to complain to the ref really comes back to bite us in the *** at times. In close games, 1-2 possessions can be the difference between winning and losing. Don't teams look at game film, doesn't anyone talk to him about this? We go as far as Cousins goes, it's just frustrating to watch him take himself (and us) out of the game. He plays with a huge chip on his shoulder, and while that is one of his greatest strengths, it also contributes to his largest weakness, his focus. Last night, there were several possessions where I had to wait 5+ seconds (the rest of the team was already on the other side of the court) for Cousins to come into the frame, which is just ridiculous.
For example, let us say that he was late getting up the court 5 times last night (random number, but wouldn't surprise me if it was somewhat accurate). Let's say they scored on 4/5 of those possessions due to Cousins not being on time. Now, let us say he wasn't late for any of them, and he forced them to miss 2 additional shots, scoring only 2/5 possessions. Had everything else played out like it did last night and he made it back in time to play defense, those two additional missed shots would have meant that when Collison hit the three to bring us within two, it actually would have given us the lead, and potentially the game.
I know those numbers are random and the entire scenario is hypothetical, but there were certainly at least two or three possessions in which he was nowhere to be found on the correct side of the court, and playing defense 4 on 5 is obviously not to our advantage. I am not trying to hate on Cousins, as he is a beast and unstoppable when focused and on his game. My point is is that we are a new team and already have issues in regards to lack of chemistry and turnovers, we really don't need to give up even more points by playing poor defense. Cousins-Rondo-Rudy-Karl were our biggest problems last night, as one couldn't focus and tried to elbow someone, one throwing the ball everywhere, the other taking stupid shots and not playing defense, and finally our coach, who doesn't play the players that play well (or if you're a rookie, just because).
He is the face of the franchise and his behavior, whether he accepts this or not, is reflected on the entire organization and directly affects the play of his teammates. He has to elevate his leadership skills in order to take this franchise to higher levels. This may not seem fair, but tough. You call yourself the leader, so it's on you to lead. Gotta practice what you preach Cousins!
Meanwhile Boogie docked around $19,000 on his paycheck for the flying elbow.
