DeMarcus Cousins believes his contributions in Sacramento needs to be honored within the rafters.
Talking on the STRAIGHT GAME PODCAST, the four-time All-Star mentioned he put within the needed work throughout his six-and-a-half seasons with the Kings to warrant jersey retirement.
“Clearly it might be an honor,” Cousins mentioned, by way of HoopsHype. “That was one thing that I undoubtedly needed and strived for… I feel I earned my stripes.”
The 6-foot-10 heart averaged 21.1 factors, 10.8 rebounds, and three assists over 470 video games in Sacramento from 2010 to 2017. He was named to 3 All-Star groups and two All-NBA Second Groups throughout that span.
Cousins was traded to the Pelicans in February 2017, shortly after collaborating in that yr’s All-Star Recreation. On the time, he ranked third in franchise historical past in complete rebounds and fifth in factors.
His most dominant stretch got here between 2014 and 2017, when he averaged 25.2 factors and 11.9 boards per recreation throughout three seasons.
“I really feel like I did all the fitting issues whereas I used to be in that jersey,” Cousins mentioned. “So far as All-Stars, so far as All-NBA alternatives, numbers, gold medals… I feel I did what wanted to be accomplished to hitch the others up within the rafters.”
The Kings have retired 11 jerseys in franchise historical past, together with these of Chris Webber, Vlade Divac, Peja Stojaković, and Bibby’s No. 10.
Whereas his profession was slowed by accidents after leaving Sacramento, the previous No. 5 total decide left an enduring mark on the franchise. He led the Kings in scoring for six consecutive seasons and ranks among the many workforce’s all-time leaders in PER, rebounds, and utilization charge.
“It’s such as you mentioned, it’s a political factor,” Cousins instructed Bibby. “However so far as the work being accomplished, I feel I did my half.”
