Troubling Opinions on Franchise from Cuz

[rainmaker]

Just saw this. I just don't see how this is good. Of course Cuz shoulders responsibility for things he's done since being drafted, but this is troubling imo if we have hopes of him staying long term. It's just not good when our best player feels this way about our organization. He stills says in this interview he wants to stay and help put us back on the map, but things will have to change, both he continuing to mature and our FO getting its s*** together.

I'll also say, as some want him to seek counseling, it might be a good idea, but if the organization was serious about it the last thing you do is make it public. You don't let that get out publicly so the entire league think you're some nut who needs counseling. You keep that private, period. Not surprised in the least Cuz felt insulted by it.

"Sometimes I let some of the small things take over," Cousins told SI.com. "It can be a simple thing, like a call going the wrong way, and it takes me all off. I've got a real problem when I know something is wrong or I feel something is wrong, I'm going to speak about it. I get it from my mother. It's a problem I have. I don't want to say I want to change it because it helped me get where I am. But at the same time, I have to learn to be quiet."

Cousins is keenly aware of the perception of him. And he hates it. Badly.
"I'm not going to sit here and say I'm innocent, because I've done things," Cousins said. "But to get the reputation that I've got, I don't think I've done enough. I don't have a criminal record. Some of the guys with the cleanest image in the league have a record. I don't think I was given a fair chance. I don't know what I did in college that was so bad to get that reputation. OK, there is footage of me and Coach Cal going at each other. That happens in sports. Coming into the league, everyone said I was going to be fat, I was the next Oliver Miller. I had all these red flags. I just feel I was never given a fair chance coming in."

Among those that didn't give him a chance, Cousins said, was his own organization. The Kings tabbed Cousins with the fifth pick in the 2010 draft but, in his mind, have never made an effort to get to know him.
"They wanted to get to know me but they were scared because of my reputation," Cousins said. "I felt like it was bad on their part. I'm your player and you don't take the time to get to know me? You just go by what the rest of the world says?"
And now?
"No, I'm still not [given a chance]," Cousins said. "It flip flops. When everything is good, [the organization] is good. When things go bad, there is nothing about that good person they remember. I just want that balance. You are either with me or you're not."
Cousins scoffs at the notion that he might have anger management issues and says he was offended when the Kings suggested he seek counseling.
"I took it as an insult," Cousins said. "That's another thing, our organization doesn't even know me. They were looking for an excuse. I don't believe that is the way to solve issues. I'm an emotional guy. It's as simple as that."

Despite recently hiring high-powered agent Dan Fegan -- who has made a living extricating players from difficult situations -- Cousins maintains he wants to stay in Sacramento. He talks about the talented Kings teams of the 1990s, teams led by Chris Webber and Mike Bibby and says he wants to be part of restoring that level of success.
"That's like a trophy to me," Cousins said. "Taking a team no players really want to go to, a team considered the worst in the league, and through all the struggle and all the negativity, they found the way to win. I want to put Sacramento back on the map. I want to be an instrumental part of things changing here."

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/nba/news/20130108/demarcus-cousins-sacramento-kings/

 

[TheWileyVet]

Arg

 

[gunks]

I'm pretty sure we lose Tyreke this offseason. I just really hope the Maloofs sell/Petrie quits before we lose Cousins.


This franchise is gonna be a farm team like the old Clippers before we know it.

 

[VF21]

Looks like Cousins' new agent is flexing his client's muscle. This does not make me happy. Cousins needs to shut up, suck it up and let his game speak for him. Whining in the media is not going to help his cause. I like the kid - a lot - but I do not agree with airing one's grievances in Sports Illustrated.

Cousins sounds like he's done nothing wrong and "the organization" is the reason for all his problems. That's patently false. Clifford Ray and Keith Smart have bent over backwards trying to get Cousins to see the light. They have tried everything from a buddy system to tough love. At some point Cousins has to look in the mirror and realize he is the master of his own destiny.

Sometimes I let some of the small things take over," Cousins told SI.com. "It can be a simple thing, like a call going the wrong way, and it takes me all off. I've got a real problem when I know something is wrong or I feel something is wrong, I'm going to speak about it. I get it from my mother. It's a problem I have. I don't want to say I want to change it because it helped me get where I am. But at the same time, I have to learn to be quiet.

He should have taken his own advice.

 

[LWP777]

Looks like Cousins' new agent is flexing his client's muscle. This does not make me happy. Cousins needs to shut up, suck it up and let his game speak for him. Whining in the media is not going to help his cause. I like the kid - a lot - but I do not agree with airing one's grievances in Sports Illustrated.

Cousins sounds like he's done nothing wrong and "the organization" is the reason for all his problems. That's patently false. Clifford Ray and Keith Smart have bent over backwards trying to get Cousins to see the light. They have tried everything from a buddy system to tough love. At some point Cousins has to look in the mirror and realize he is the master of his own destiny.



He should have taken his own advice.

Thank you for this post! Couldn't agree more!

 

[kupman]

DFC seems to be proud of the chip that he places upon his shoulder. He believes that playing the victim serves him well. I hope that he realizes that he has succeeded despite this strategy, not because of it. If he continues to play victim it is only a matter of time before the entire Kings organization is "at fault."

IMHO, he will only reach his full potential if he decides to takes things less personally.

 

[HereWeBoogie]

Good. About time someone called out this sham of an organization.

 

[theclash4u5]

Good. About time someone called out his sham of an organization.

Agreed. Say what you will about Cousins, this quote was pretty dead on.

Despite recently hiring high-powered agent Dan Fegan -- who has made a living extricating players from difficult situations -- Cousins maintains he wants to stay in Sacramento. He talks about the talented Kings teams of the 1990s, teams led by Chris Webber and Mike Bibby and says he wants to be part of restoring that level of success.
"That's like a trophy to me," Cousins said. "Taking a team no players really want to go to, a team considered the worst in the league, and through all the struggle and all the negativity, they found the way to win. I want to put Sacramento back on the map. I want to be an instrumental part of things changing here."

He straight out said it right there, no one wants to go to Sacramento. We've known this for years, but for a player to come out and say it publicly? Ouch.

 

[HereWeBoogie]

For our best player to say that he wantd to put our team back on the map and wants to play here but the organization needs to change, is a great thing in my opinion

 

[Jose]

Also, Petrie and Fegan had a sit-down yesterday to discuss Cousin's future with the Kings... Allegedly Fegan didn't request a trade on DMC's behalf, but no word on what was discussed.

I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for him to stay with the Kings...

 

[Arkitect]

DMC should just shut up and play. He should not be talking to the media at all. It is only going to get him in trouble. He also needs to realize that his current automatic response to being wronged is not going to get him where he wants to go. He needs to channel his emotions in more productive ways. Simply, he needs to become more mature.

 

[CruzDude]

On the one hand he hits some real points that need to be addressed and dealt with: building a winning franchise. On the other hand there appears to be some dirty, internal laundry regarding how the FO handles players the last 4 very lean years that need to be kept internal since us emotional fans will rant and rave at the drop of an incomplete thought and make is seem FUBAR.

From my view the two views are tied together and relate directly to the owners and their precarius financial situation. Win-loses are virtually the same for four years yet we have some really good talent. They just don't mesh together very well on the court. I think that issue is due to the FO trying to combine marketing power with on court ability rather than building a team.

Tyreke was a great draft and he was pushed to 20-5-5 above and beyond practical limits all for the sake of marketing. Then comes Cuz a known "piece of work" but with upside beyond belief. Seeming a great match for Tyreke. But Tyreke was too much a dribbler without a PG who could lead the team and set up plays and help spread the court. The NBA figured out Tyreke and just blocked up the middle every time he handled the ball. And Cuz played like a "bull in a china shop" which worked in college but not in the NBA.

Quite obvious was the lack of good role players to complement them: good outside shooters who could spread the floor, athletic rebounders, good ball handlers. Then came Thornton, a streaky perimeter shooter who also dribbled too much but could spot up. But no one else. And with Tyreke not having a jump shot much less a perimeter shot, a lone gun. Then Jimmer and IT, hopeful outside shooters to spread the floor.

Jimmer the "Player of the Year" in NCAA basketball was another big marketing move who would need two years to find a role off the bench. IT was and is a mystery. So good, so small and so strong but with rather narrow court vision. A leader without much NBA experience. A catch 22 player who you can't afford to leave on the bench too long but who many times you can't leave in the game too long either.

TRob I won' get into. Great on paper but long ways from NBA ready.

Role players who never panned out came and went. The lowest payroll in the league last year and near the bottom the previous year or so preventing getting the type of players needed. Was it Petries fault? Maybe partly so but more likely his hands being tied by the penny pinching owners. A bench that showed promise has now been figured out and become an embarrassment: no rebounding, no scoring, not much defense and giving up leads every game.

Where are the real role players who can help?

 

[swisshh]

I disagree with a lt of the sentiments in reply here and find them to be ignorant.

I have felt that Cousins needed to speak and that he's been too quiet. When you're in his situation and you don't like things being wrong, your silence will eventually cost you your ability to be seen. You have to hold others accountable and fudge up the status quo with honesty. It works better if you're good with words and know how to be diplomatic, and I don't know how good Cuz is at that, but continued quiet was no the answer.

The sports press is lazy. The basketball press is especially lazy. Many voices in the press speak about topical things that they have limited exposure to. The only way to get away with this practice is to have enough voices join in with you. Otherwise, someone will find out more info or provide better analysis and make you look bad, but if you can drown out those tidbits with a ton of voices repeating you then you can get away with half-assing anything other than the Lakers or Knicks or Heat. Even then, the Lakers and Heat press is full of parroted ideas with no logical backing. See Skip Bayless and Lebron.

If you're on the negative side of this naval-sized and navel-gazing fleet of nonsense the only reliable way to turn the tide is to win. When you win your sins are forgiven. When Iverson made it to the Finals, he had finally turned the corner. When the Sixers fell off and he was traded, he was a problematic character again. If we knew Iverson then we'd know he's been the same fellow all his life, but when he won then he was a darling and when he wasn't a NBA finals player then he was a target.

The Kings aren't anywhere close to winning and the roster is not conducive to winning. So the only option for Cousins to silence others while remaining silent is not a realistic option. That leaves straight talk as the only option. If you do not speak for yourself then others will speak for you and what they say will more often serve themselves rather than you. Guys like Jordan and Kobe had excellent handlers that did the speaking for them with their interest in mind. There was also a financial train waiting to take off with those players that would back their vested interest in the player. Cousins probably has people waiting to make money off of him, but not to the level that the 'chosen' have and I wouldn't rely on the Maloofs to have high quality handlers in their pay. That leaves Cousins to speak for himself to stop the process that is currently happening.

 

[The_Jamal]

I don't disagree with Cousins, but I wish he would just focus on playing basketball and not essentially call out his organization for sucking (it does, but again, not the right time to do so). His focus should be on playing ball and rebuilding his shattered reputation within the organization and around the league.

 

[Prince_XY]

Looks like Cousins' new agent is flexing his client's muscle. This does not make me happy. Cousins needs to shut up, suck it up and let his game speak for him. Whining in the media is not going to help his cause. I like the kid - a lot - but I do not agree with airing one's grievances in Sports Illustrated.

Cousins sounds like he's done nothing wrong and "the organization" is the reason for all his problems. That's patently false. Clifford Ray and Keith Smart have bent over backwards trying to get Cousins to see the light. They have tried everything from a buddy system to tough love. At some point Cousins has to look in the mirror and realize he is the master of his own destiny.



He should have taken his own advice.

Blah-blah-blah. Blah-blah-blah.

It does not matter if Cousins does not make you any happier. At the end of the day, whether we are moderators of this board or just plain poster, in reality we are just individual fans and nothing more in this franchise.

Cousins happiness is more important as of now because he is currently the face of this franchise. If Cousins gets happy, I am pretty sure the fans will be happy too because he will be playing inspired basketball that will translate to winning.

So, please stop deluding and stop making false statement! What you are saying about Cousins as "Cousins sounds he's done nothing wrong and the organization is the reason for all his problems" is blatantly false.

Why don't you read again what Cousins said. Our player admitted he's got a problem and you even quoted him in your post!

Sometimes I let some of the small things take over," Cousins told SI.com. "It can be a simple thing, like a call going the wrong way, and it takes me all off. I've got a real problem when I know something is wrong or I feel something is wrong, I'm going to speak about it. I get it from my mother. It's a problem I have. I don't want to say I want to change it because it helped me get where I am. But at the same time, I have to learn to be quiet.

 

[Section 101]

Agreed. Say what you will about Cousins, this quote was pretty dead on.



He straight out said it right there, no one wants to go to Sacramento. We've known this for years, but for a player to come out and say it publicly? Ouch.

NO. He said players do not want to go to a bad team. It's the same reason they don't want to go to Washington or Bobcats.

 

[kennadog]

I don't like any player that that talks negatively about his team or teammates. There's plenty of people Cousins can talk to without making things publicly ugly.

He is immature and does have anger management issues. Its not exactly hidden truths we are talking about. What bothers me, is that his comments sound like he's not inclined to try changing any of that. I think he's basically a good guy and I'm sure he does feel ganged-up on by almost everybody. Problem is, I have to keep reminding myself that he's a really good guy at heart, every time he sulks on the court or whines to the media. He's just too self-centered too much of the time. If you want out of Sacramento, Boogie, then let your agent do the talking. In the meantime focus on your teammates, play up to the abilities we know you have, and behave like a professional on the court.

I do believe we have a bad organization right now. We'll likely lose Evans this summer and I expect we'll lose Cousins at some point. As far as I'm concerned the rot started at the top (Maloofs) and flows downward. How can players feel like they want to play in Sacramento when even their owners want out and won't spend any money to improve the team or the team's situation?

Sorry if this seems negative, but as a Kings fan, I'm really getting so tired of all the crap we've been through, without having our own players just venting negatively about the team. I'm sure a lot of the players aren't happy being here, but I don't need to see it publicly, in my face.

 

[Glenn]

I don't know what to make of his comments. I didn't hear what others seem to have noted.

He is absolutely correct that people's opinions of him flip flop from great to horrible depending on how he is playing or what has happened recently. He's the same guy. None of us is absolutely steady in what face we show our acquaintances. DFC seems to want people to realize he is the same guy whether he shakes your hand in a night club when you call his name or if he gets in your face when you are overly aggressive in guarding him.

Many people think in terms of black and white. The world is not that way. In DFC's case, he has more than 50 shades of grey. In this case, he is far more mature that those who think only in black and white,

If he is a sincere in wanting to drag a poor team to a high position, good for him and good for us. I suspect as he gets older, the need for a ring and all-pro positions may become more important as they are with most others. His stated devotion to the Kings may be youthful enthusiasm. If it is NOT youthful enthusiasm, we have a gem.

I think his agent is putting him in a position where he can go whichever way he wants. If the organization takes exception to what he has said, he has greased the skids to a trade. If they take time and think and maybe even defend him, they may do what I think is the proper thing. It's up to them.





BTW, what happened to the kumbaya relationship with Smart where they sat around TV and chatted? Maybe that's too long ago to be pertinent.

 

[Glenn]

I don't like any player that that talks negatively about his team or teammates. There's plenty of people Cousins can talk to without making things publicly ugly.

I think he's basically a good guy and I'm sure he does feel ganged-up on by almost everybody. Problem is, I have to keep reminding myself that he's a really good guy at heart, every time he sulks on the court or whines to the media. He's just too self-centered too much of the time. If you want out of Sacramento, Boogie, then let your agent do the talking. In the meantime focus on your teammates, play up to the abilities we know you have, and behave like a professional on the court.

You don't know this and I think this is the point Cuz is making. What you see is that part of him that can only be seen by virtue of what he does for a living. I think his point is that he is more than DeMarcus Cousins, basketball player.

 

[kennadog]

You don't know this and I think this is the point Cuz is making. What you see is that part of him that can only be seen by virtue of what he does for a living. I think his point is that he is more than DeMarcus Cousins, basketball player.

Of course I don't know him personally. I make that statement based on what I see from his behavior and from the statements he himself makes. In the absence of knowing some one personally, all anyone can judge a person by is what he does and what he says. The media does exaggerate and he now has a reputation he is going to have to work hard to live down. Its not all his fault, but he can change it. He's the only one who can, in fact.

 

[kingsnation]

I agree with some of DFC's points, but share the sentiment that it should be kept in-house.

However, In the long run, we can't really blame DFC for talking to the media. One, we sort of knew his history when we drafted him and two - we fired a coach for him. Our franchise has helped build his personality as much as we want to change it.

 

[Siranthony]

I like that Cousins wants to be here and wants to make this team a success. I, as a fan want him to be here. I feel he has the potential to be the foundation to take this team to a high level for a number of years.

Cousins should not take counseling as an insult. It does not mean you are crazy or anything like that. Smart people talk to counselors. Really everyone could use some advice from someone who knows more about something than they do. If you can afford it, who wouldn't? It could be the best thing that ever happened to him.

I really think our society is way to hung up about counseling etc. There is nothing wrong with it. I mean a basketball player listens to coaches right? I guy will go to an accountant or a tax guy to help with money right? But if someone goes to a counselor for help with how to get along with people and a better sense of well being, that is bad? Why?

This is also true. Like it or not, if you had problems in college and you are having problems here, you WILL have problems no matter where you go. Just because you don't think you deserve your reputation does not mean it won't follow you wherever you go, until you change it.

 

[Kingster]

Sigh............................................................................

Oh, the drama of it all. It's tiresome. When is this kid going to grow up? The world is unfair. I'm misperceived. I've been insulted. The punishment is disproportional to the crime. I've been treated badly. Oh, the Cousin pain. The saga continues....

 

[bajaden]

DFC seems to be proud of the chip that he places upon his shoulder. He believes that playing the victim serves him well. I hope that he realizes that he has succeeded despite this strategy, not because of it. If he continues to play victim it is only a matter of time before the entire Kings organization is "at fault."

IMHO, he will only reach his full potential if he decides to takes things less personally.

I think you missed what he was saying. He doesn't like being the victim. He doesn't like being looked at in that way. But he believes that the chip on his shoulder that he takes to the court, is part of his movitation. Its what drives him to be the best. Victims have an "Oh woe is me attitude". Cousins has a more defiant attitude. Not saying thats a good thing when its out of control. I do think counseling would help, but you can't help someone until they want to be helped. Ask any couples counseler how often he's able to get both parties to agree that they have a problem. I do agree with VF21 that he should follow his own advice.

 

[bajaden]

I agree with some of DFC's points, but share the sentiment that it should be kept in-house.

However, In the long run, we can't really blame DFC for talking to the media. One, we sort of knew his history when we drafted him and two - we fired a coach for him. Our franchise has helped build his personality as much as we want to change it.

Those two words, In House, are very significant. Anyone that watched Cuz play at Kentucky saw Calapari yelling at him on the bench. If Cuz yelled back, he just stayed on the bench longer. But you never heard a thing in any of the papers or a thing on the local TV about any kind of conflict between Cuz and Calapari. Why? Because it stayed in house. As a result, I think Cuz felt betrayed when just about everything he did became national news, thanks to Westphal. Were some of his actions wrong? Yes! But they didn't have to be exposed to god and every living soul in the nation. The fact that were having these kind of discussions and passing judgement, is a result of those exposures.

If something happens on the court for everyone to see, then there's nothing you can do about that. Let me ask you something, and maybe you have heard something, but remember the last double technical that was given to both Cuz and Anderson? Have you heard a peep from anyone in the orginization in defense of Cousins? I haven't! I did read a tweet by Jason Jones who was right there, and said that Cousins didn't say a thing, and was walking away, but Anderson kept talking. So it appears that Cuz was innocent in this case. But did anyone in the orginization come out and defend him? There are times when I think Cousins has a point.

 

[Glenn]

Did Cuz get Westphal fired or did Westphal get Westphal fired?

 

[HereWeBoogie]

Cousins has been playing great. so everyone needs to find something to complain about and a new reason to trash DeMarcus. lol

this is pathetic. people should be more worried about the fact that this garbage franchise is running players out of town, rather than worry about the fact that our best player felt it was necessary to bring it up.


if anything we should be praising him for this. the guy said he wants the franchise to change because he wants to stay in Sac and make this franchise relevant agian. its not like he said the franchise sucks get me out of here..................

 

[mac]

Those two words, In House, are very significant. Anyone that watched Cuz play at Kentucky saw Calapari yelling at him on the bench. If Cuz yelled back, he just stayed on the bench longer. But you never heard a thing in any of the papers or a thing on the local TV about any kind of conflict between Cuz and Calapari. Why? Because it stayed in house. As a result, I think Cuz felt betrayed when just about everything he did became national news, thanks to Westphal. Were some of his actions wrong? Yes! But they didn't have to be exposed to god and every living soul in the nation. The fact that were having these kind of discussions and passing judgement, is a result of those exposures.

If something happens on the court for everyone to see, then there's nothing you can do about that. Let me ask you something, and maybe you have heard something, but remember the last double technical that was given to both Cuz and Anderson? Have you heard a peep from anyone in the orginization in defense of Cousins? I haven't! I did read a tweet by Jason Jones who was right there, and said that Cousins didn't say a thing, and was walking away, but Anderson kept talking. So it appears that Cuz was innocent in this case. But did anyone in the orginization come out and defend him? There are times when I think Cousins has a point.

Well, clearly the organization is too busy winning basketball games to have time to stick up for their players.

 

[Spike]

Cliff Notes version:
"For a variety of reasons, I'm mad."
"I think I can make Sacramento a winner, but the organization needs to get its **** together."

I can't say that I disagree with what he said. Sure, he could have kept his trap shut, but that doesn't seem to be changing anyone's opinion, so talking seems to be another option. I don't know if that part will work out. Also, I may be in the minority, but I don't think he needs anger management, and I'd be insulted as well. I think he needs to do some growing up, but unfortunately for the impatient, time is the only thing that will help that.

 

[itzcoatl]

I find DMC's statement interesting, but also perplexing.

I'm not sure what DMC means when he says "they wanted to get to know me, but they were scared because of my reputation." I highly doubt anyone on the Kings organization told him that. It appears this is DMC's perception. I'm wondering what it was that the organization did not do that DMC feels should have been done? DMC stresses that he is an "emotional guy." DMC does not single out any particular individual for any action or omission that he found objectionable. Instead, he loosely refers to "they" or "the organization." It is unclear if this is an indictment of the Maloofs, Petrie, the coaches, or some combination of the three. As this statement appears to be based on DMC's perception, it appears to me that there are may be any one of, or several, underlying issues. Here are some that I could think of: (1) the organization is not setting clear guidelines of player conduct, (2) the organization is not adequately communicating with players, (3) DMC has not attempted to clarify any ambiguities created by lack of communication, (4) DMC has been explained the guidelines of conduct but has chosen to ignore them or did not understand them. Anyone of these factors is unfortunate, but by no means beyond correction. The one troubling possibility is that DMC is aware of player guidelines but has willfully chose to ignore them based on the fact that he has deemed himself an "emotional guy." If that is the case, DMC will most likely continue to commit these types of errors, unless some action is taken where he realizes that his conduct is not excusable simply because he is an emotional guy.

I really liked his statement that he would take prides in building a winning team. This, of coures, bodes well for his future in Sacramento and tends to establish that he willing to put in the work and the effort to turn this franchise around, rather than simply leave town for greener pastures.

I don't think DMC is a bad guy at all. In fact, I like him a lot. I think this young man would benefit from clearer direction from the organization. Whatever communication that is occurring is either inadequate, or is being ignored by DMC. I hope it is simply a case of inadequate communication and that the organization takes corrective steps.