DeMarcus Cousins is among the more talented big men in the NBA. However, since arriving in 2010, he has gained more than a few detractors due to behavior often categorized as immature.
Among those who have been critical of Cousins is NBA Hall of Famer, and fellow Alabama native, Charles Barkley. Barkley has seen Cousins play since high school with some remarks occurring then. For Cousins, the words haven’t been forgotten and he expressed his strong feelings regarding them with Bleacher Report’s Ric Bucher.
“Coming up as a kid and hearing that from one of the best players ever to come out of Alabama,” Cousins said via Bucher, “a guy people grow up looking up to, to hear him say, ‘Well, he’s not that good…’ I remember it like it was yesterday. Then, coming into my rookie season, you take up for your ex-coach and say I’m the worst thing that ever happened to Sacramento on national TV. Yeah, I’m going to remember.”
Cousins also spoke about the level of respect he has for Barkley, which is nonexistent.
“I have no respect for you and I never will. We have nothing to talk about. So, yes, every time we see each other, there will never be words.”
Charles Barkley certainly isn’t the first to be critical of DeMarcus Cousins and he won’t be the last. You could make the argument that some of what was said, pertaining to constantly complaining to officials, was warranted. Barkley rarely speaks with a filter, but it’s part of the reason he’s as popular as he is. This leads to him saying things that come off harsh in nature in nature and can sting, as has been the case with Cousins.
For what it’s worth, DeMarcus Cousins vowed before the season to reduce the number of technical fouls he receives to a maximum of five, which would be a significant improvement compared the 14, 12, 17, and 16 his first four seasons in the league. He’s received zero thus far and even restrained head coach Mike Malone who was upset after Cousins was whistled for his sixth foul during a game against the Suns last week.
That’s progress.
