Glad we couldn't trade up for Cousins!

[Stifle Tower]

"Word is that handling rookie forward DeMarcus Cousins is proving to be an even bigger job for coach Paul Westphal and his staff than expected, even after the Kings hired Cousins' high school coach (Otis Hughley) in hopes of keeping the 20-year-old -- freshly relegated to a bench role -- plugged in.

One source close to the situation told ESPN.com that Cousins was fined recently for clashing with members of Westphal's staff. I've also been advised that it's not one-and-done as far as such clashes go, which has created a level of tension that -- anticipated or not -- obviously isn't what the Kings need when they're already operating at such an experience deficit on top of their serious defensive frailties.

No one doubts the potential possessed by the Kings' precocious tag team of Cousins and Tyreke Evans. But as one veteran scout warned me during summer league in Las Vegas, when tales and hints of Cousins' volatility and immaturity spread quickly: "It's always risky to have two young divas on the same team."

Didn't take long for the Kings to find out."

https://espn.go.com/nba/dailydime/_/page/dime-101112-14/testing-early-trade-winds

 

[carolinajazz]

...we're much better off with Hayward! He won't pout, he won't stomp his feet..and he won't take his ball and go home! He sit, listen and learn.....and then probably contribute to our winning 55 plus games this year!

 

[Stifle Tower]

Cousins was/is a high-risk/high-reward player. IF he channels his massive potential, he can be a dominant center. If not, he may end up like Kwame Brown or Eddy Curry.
Hayward should be fine. I think his shot wil start falling and Deron will eventually cut him some slack. In some respects, Williams may be "kicking the dog" because Sloan did the same to him as a rookie. I wouldn't be surprised to see Hayward get some burn with the starters. If he can come in for 5 mins or so to start the 1st and/or 3rd, that would allow AK to add some firepower to the 2nd group. And Hayward might get a few easy looks if/when Al or Paul get doubled or the defense collapses on Deron driving to the hoop.

 

[fallenchicken]

Sloan would probably kill Cousins in his sleep.

 

[moevillini]

Sloan would probably kill Cousins in his sleep.

and he'd probably use an ice pick to do it

 

[cowhide]

It seems early on that most of the draft picks in this draft were overrated. Besides, Wall who else is playing well. Going to a young team was not the best place for Cousins he needs some established vets to tell him to shut up and play. But if the kid has mental problems then it really doesn"t matter where he plays

 

[GVC]

Cousins was/is a high-risk/high-reward player. IF he channels his massive potential, he can be a dominant center. If not, he may end up like Kwame Brown or Eddy Curry.

Cousins will never be anything like Brown or Curry. Those guys had huge flaws in their body and game. It's much more likely Cousins ends up as a Zach Randolph or Derrick Coleman, although Cousins seems to have a much better motor than either of those guys.

Dude is a highly competitive/angry individual (on the court). He wants to win and is as skilled as just about any big man in the NBA. When he finds the right coach/team (Westphal is a terrible fit), he'll be an all-star. That is, assuming he stops fouling at a rate of 9 fouls per 48 minutes.

 

[carolinajazz]

Dude is a highly competitive/angry individual (on the court). He wants to win and is as skilled as just about any big man in the NBA. When he finds the right coach/team (Westphal is a terrible fit), he'll be an all-star. That is, assuming he stops fouling at a rate of 9 fouls per 48 minutes.

....you smokin some powerful dope, there, pal! He's "skilled" alright...too bad he doesn't have a brain in his head! Yeah, it's got to be the coaches fault! He's more than likely just like you said....an "angry" man who has serious problems with authority! [edited by moderator]

 

[GVC]

He's more than likely just like you said....an "angry" black man who has serious problems with white authority!

I don't recall saying anything like that.

Dude was arguably the best player in the NCAA last year. He's a bull with touch, and he can make reads and correct passes. I'd wager he's smarter than you, on and off the basketball court.

 

[carolinajazz]

I'd wager he's smarter than you, on and off the basketball court.

...you got any more money you want to throw away?!!

 

[Cece]

Favors is playing well.

 

[Gyp Rosetti]

<crossing fingers we could be his third team in a few years as he starts to get it>