James Harden

Shahbaz Khan

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Alex Kramers

In a Western Conference overstocked with rising phenoms and future first-ballot Hall of Famers, DeMarcus Cousins has cemented his name atop the All-Star candidates list, ready to join the League’s brightest standouts beneath the enchanting lights of New York City and pinwheel ceiling of the legendary Madison Square Garden.

“I think (he’s an All-Star) – he’s big, he’s physical, he’s strong, he can pass, he can score (over) both shoulders,” says Dallas Mavericks All-Star and 2007 NBA MVP Dirk Nowitzki. “He’s as big and as physical as there is in the League.”

“There’s no question (Cousins) has played like (an All-Star),” says Detroit Pistons President of Basketball Operations and Head Coach Stan Van Gundy. “How many guys at his position have played better? Very, very, very few – if any.”

Despite being sidelined for 10 games (viral meningitis), the Kentucky product has earned glowing endorsements from countless NBA peers, opposing coaches and national broadcasters by not only improving upon his gaudy offensive output and mending his previous defensive shortcomings, but guiding the upstart Kings to a 14-13 record in his 27 starts and only 5.5 games out of a postseason berth.

“You can tell he’s just learning more and more every single year,” says Oklahoma City Thunder All-Star and reigning League MVP Kevin Durant. “(He’s) somebody I got to know over the last few years, and he’s worked extremely hard. A lot of people have some unfair criticism of him as a person, but that doesn’t discredit what he does on the court … I think he’s a guy who’s grown, learned how to play, learned how to win and learned how to sacrifice. He’s been a leader here in Sacramento, and it’s pretty fun to see.”

On the heels of a summer in which he earned a gold medal as a valuable member of the USA Basketball World Cup Team – seizing the opportunity by averaging 9.8 points on 70.8 percent from the field and 5.7 rebounds in 13.9 minutes of action – Cousins entered training camp in the best shape of his career, ready to embrace more responsibility on both ends of the court.

“He’s gotten a lot better. One thing that was talked about was his attitude, and his attitude has gotten a lot better,” says Houston Rockets All-Star James Harden. “Obviously, he’s scoring the basketball, he’s rebounding the basketball, his team is winning games and he’s grown as a leader. I think this summer really helped him out.”

“He’s a great young player who’s really establishing himself now as a guy who’s not only high level, but becoming very consistent,” says Dallas Mavericks Head Coach Rick Carlisle. “His experience with USA Basketball was a real important part of that, from where I viewed it. He’s a competitive guy and he’s gotten better each year.

Despite Carlisle’s pre-game vow to “throw the kitchen sink” in an attempt to slow down the Kings center on Tuesday, Cousins narrowly missed notching his second career triple-double with 32 points, 16 rebounds and a season-high nine assists against Dallas.

“If you look at his numbers against us, he’s more than an All-Star – he’s all-universe.”

By any statistical measure, the Kings center reigns among the game’s elite, ranking second in the League in Player Impact Estimate (19.3) according to NBA.com/Stats and fourth in Player Efficiency Rating (26.9) per basketball-reference.com, as well as in the top-three in both points (24.2 per game) and rebounds (12.4). Racking up a double-double in all but six contests, Cousins is only one off the League lead, while also placing second in defensive rebound percentage (30.7) and sixth in total rebound percentage (21.5).

Stuffing the box score at a nearly unprecedented rate, Cousins is the only player in the League currently averaging over 24 points, 12 rebounds, three assists, one block and one steal per contest. According to basketball-reference.com, only six players in NBA history have ever matched No. 15’s incredible stat-line – a list headlined by Hall of Famers Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Charles Barkley, Bob McAdoo, Hakeem Olajuwon and David Robinson, as well as 15-time All-Star Kevin Garnett.

“To me, he’s an old-type power forward playing (center) – a Maurice Lucas-type of guy (or) Karl Malone,” says Brooklyn Nets Head Coach Lionel Hollins. “They play around the basket, but they also can come out and make jumpshots … (DeMarcus) can offensive rebound, he can pass the ball – he has a really good skill level.”

One of the game’s most dominant low-post scorers, the Mobile, Ala. native has forced hapless opponents into committing fouls to prevent him from scoring easy baskets, averaging 9.3 free throw attempts per 36 minutes – behind only Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (10.7) among players who’ve logged at least 500 minutes – and knocking down a career-best 80.6 percent from the charity stripe.

“If he’s not an All-Star, they really should not play the game,” says Kings TV Color Commentator Jerry Reynolds. “I think he’s the best center in the League right now, and I don’t think there’s any doubt. When you look at the total package – playing with his back to the basket, (in the) high post, rebounding, passing, spot-shooting – he’s been terrific. I know this, too – I haven’t seen anybody who can guard him yet.”

“Offensively, he can still hang out on the mid-range, he can still hit jumpers, and still pass from the elbow,” says Zach Lowe of Grantland.com. “But he really refocused his game to the low post, where he’s the most unguardable low-post player since Shaq.”

On Nov. 5, Cousins became the first player to notch 30 points and 11 rebounds in less than 22 minutes of court time since Hall of Famer Moses Malone nearly 28 years ago, and earned his second career Western Conference Player of the Week Award on Nov. 24 after guiding the Kings to a 2-1 record.

“You look at his overall play against all the competition he competes against every night, he certainly stands out as being able to compete with anybody at his position – and exceed it most nights,” says Kings Head Coach Ty Corbin. “I think he’s one of the best big guys and might be the best big guy in the League.”

The Sacramento draftee submitted one of his most impressive all-around performances of the season on Dec. 27, notching a season-high 39 points, 11 rebounds and four assists while carrying the team to an overtime victory over N.Y.

“He’s gotten so much better and I think he’s matured a lot, too, which helps him,” says Mavericks forward Chandler Parsons, who played alongside Cousins during USA Basketball training camp and exhibition contests. “He’s a load down low, he’s skilled, he can pass, he can knock down shots, he goes to the offensive glass (and he’s) relentless. He’s one of the best (centers) in the entire League.”

The rising star possesses not only the powerful inside game of a traditional center, but the range and craftiness of a small forward combined with the court vision and passing acumen of an adept floor general.

By drawing consistent double-teams, Cousins has opened up the floor for his teammates, allowing wing players to spot up for uncontested long-range looks, as well as get easy buckets at the rim off quick cuts and long outlet passes. Continuously looking for the open man with crisp, cross-court passes, the crafty big man ranks second among centers (min. 100 minutes played) in assist percentage (18.7), according to NBA.com/Stats, recording at least five dishes in eight games.

“Teams want to double- and triple-team DeMarcus all the time, but I told him, ‘Let them double- and triple-team all night,’” former Kings center Brad Miller – who finished his career seventh in assists (1,542) in the Sacramento era – recently told The Sacramento Bee. “He’s going to throw passes and find cutters out of it, which is different from last year and is a real sign of growth.”

Unsurprisingly, the Kings have been a remarkably more effective team on both ends of the court with Cousins in the lineup this season, outscoring opponents by 8.0 points per 100 possessions while allowing 100.0 points per 100 possessions with No. 15 manning the middle, according to NBA.com/Stats. Conversely, with the fifth-year center on the bench, Sacramento has been outscored by 10.6 points per 100 possessions, giving up a substantially-higher 110.6.

According to ESPN.com, Cousins ranks fifth in defensive real plus-minus (4.03) and second among all centers, behind only Warriors big man Andrew Bogut.
“I think (DeMarcus) has had an unbelievable season,” says Houston Rockets three-time Defensive Player of the Year Dwight Howard. “I like what he’s doing on the offensive end, but his defense has really stepped up – especially the pick-and-roll defense. I think he’s really elevated his game, and I can’t wait to see him down the line.”

Developing into a plus individual defender, Cousins has held opponents to 51.9 percent from the field within six feet of the basket – 7.4 percent below their cumulative average – according http://www.nba.com/Stats, as well as utilized his guile and quick footwork to draw a League-high 19 charges, via hoopsmanifesto.com.

“He’s smart, plays good defense in space (and provides) good rim protection – not because he can jump really high, (but because) he moves his feet well and he understands player tendencies,” says Lowe, noting Cousins may still be feeling the after-effects of his illness. “He just moves his feet really well – he keeps point guards guessing when they come into his space.”

While his exceptional stats are up nearly across the board, No. 15 is also on pace to set a career low in one category, recording only four technical fouls this season – tied for 18th in the League – after being whistled for an NBA-high-tying 16 in 2013-14.

“His growth is like night and day,” says Kings teammate Reggie Evans, who’s served as the big man’s veteran mentor. “I let him know, ‘(You’re) getting older, you have a lot of people who look up to you, (you’re) a franchise player and there’s a certain title you have to behold when you have that type of label.’”

For a pair of longtime broadcasters who’ve covered the NBA for over two decades, Cousins has done a marvelous job of blending his immense talent and passion for the game with exemplary leadership, poise and self-accountability, making him a worthy All-Star selection.

“I know what he has to battle is reputation … but when you look at his performance night after night, the numbers are pretty astounding, and you just can’t ignore it,” says Kings Radio Broadcaster Gary Gerould. “So I think his time has come, and I think (fans and coaches) around the League are going to say, ‘He’s stepped up, he’s doing the job and he’s deserving.’

“He’s been terrific all year. He’s a smart player, he’s giving great effort at both ends of the court and I think his leadership has grown tremendously,” affirms TNT NBA Insider David Aldridge. “He’s just been too good – you can’t make a case to not put him on the (All-Star) team.”

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DMC Impresses NBA’s Best

Hours before learning he was officially named to the 12-man Team USA roster, DeMarcus Cousins – decked in a navy windbreaker with a pair of glistening gold headphones draped around his neck – reiterated competing in the 2014 FIBA World Cup would mark his proudest and most important basketball accomplishment to date.

“I’ve said it time and time again – it’s a goal of mine for this summer,” said Cousins post-game Friday. “It’s a huge honor. Who wouldn’t want to represent their country?”

Although a knee injury caused him to miss valuable practice time and the squad’s first exhibition contest on Aug. 16, the Kings center discloses he’s fully recovered from the setback and has methodically studied and aimed to execute the coaching staff’s game plan.

“The thing is, it’s not about me showing what I can do – they know what I can do. It’s just about learning the whole scheme of what they’re trying to do out here,” he explained. “The injury kind of set me back in learning the whole scheme, but I’m trying to learn it on the fly and trying to learn it as fast as possible.”

No. 15’s familiarly with the USA Basketball program from training with the 2012 Select Team and scrimmaging against the gold-medal-winning Olympic Team helped streamline the process.

“You know what to look forward to coming in, so that experience helped out a lot,” he said. “I did two years, I believe, so you know what to expect.”

Ready to take the next step in his basketball journey, the Mobile. Ala. native made a strong case for a World Cup roster spot as one of the team��s leading rebounders in exhibition play – pulling down a team-high eight boards in 16 minutes against the Dominican Republic on Wednesday. The physically-imposing big man also recorded the only double-double in the USA Basketball Showcase on Aug. 1, finishing with 11 points and a game-high 11 rebounds.

“DeMarcus does what he does best, and that’s crashing the glass, taking up so much space in the paint and just wearing (opposing) bigs out,” said Warriors guard Klay Thompson. “Also, he has great touch. He has a bright future.”

Against Puerto Rico on Friday, Cousins yet again aggressively attacked the boards, as two of his three offensive rebounds resulted in tip-in baskets.

“DeMarcus is a great player – he definitely does a great job on the floor, and I love playing with him,” said Pelicans All-Star Anthony Davis. “He definitely is a big body, creates space in the lane and rebounds the ball. We try to give him the ball on the block as much as we can so he can go to work.”

USA Basketball National Team Managing Director Jerry Colangelo similarly raves about the fifth-year center’s resilient effort in boxing out and agitating opponents with his size and strength, as well as setting the tone with his bruising inside game.

“What he brings in the way of attributes is that he’s a strong low-post center – probably the strongest of the group that we have,” said Colangelo pre-game Friday, adding Cousins has strived to adjust to the faster style of play. “He seems very eager and hungry to make this team.”

While he wasn’t taking a final roster spot for granted, the Kings center felt confident he put himself in prime position to help Team USA triumph in the Spain-hosted tournament.

“(I bring) size and physicality,” he said. “So when we come up against those bigger teams, I think we’ll have a better chance.”  No. 15’s Team USA teammates recognize the Kentucky product’s essential contributions distinguish him from the squad’s crop of diverse big men and may prove to be deciding factors in international competition.

“There are going to a couple of teams out there (against which) we need him,” said 2012 Olympic gold medalist and Rockets All-Star James Harden. “Obviously, he’s a great player – he can shoot the ball really well – and once he gets in his rhythm, he’ll be pretty good. (He’s) a physical presence – a big, strong guy in the paint.”

“I think (he brings) competitive fire and toughness, as well – we’re going to need that going over to Spain, and we’ll see what happens,” said Cavaliers All-Star Kyrie Irving. “He’s doing a heck of a job of just continuing to be consistent every day in practice and every day in the games when he gets minutes.”

Kings teammate and fellow USA representative Rudy Gay has been encouraged by the way Cousins – who ranked in the top ten in points (22.7 per game) and rebounds (11.7) in the NBA last season – has not only continued to fill up the box score, but willingly embraced additional responsibilities for the benefit of the team.

“We all know he can rebound, we all know he can score in the post, so he’s just trying to do other things,” said No. 8. “Roll (to the basket), draw defenders, kick (out the ball), run the floor – all those things we need him to do.

“Obviously, playing a different role (and) doing some different things is only going to help him further in his career.”

Cousins, in fact, divulges his primary objective throughout his Team USA experience is the opportunity to improve every aspect of his game while getting vital feedback from some of the greatest and most-respected players and coaches in the world.  “I’m so excited … I want to come back and be able to teach the young guys on (the Kings) things I’ve learned overseas,” he said. “It’s going to help me become a better leader, help me become a better teammate and I’m going to take back as much as I can.”

- While several NBA stars expressed interest in joining the World Cup roster roster following the devastating injury to Pacers forward Paul George, Gay was the first player to contact Colangelo and Team USA representatives.

“The fact that he basically sought us out … that said something to us,” said Colangeo. “We know Rudy – in terms of him being with us in the past, playing on the Word Championship Team in ’10 – and he can serve a valuable role playing two forward positions.”

- Cousins was pleased to learn Gay’s decision to vie for a spot on the squad came at the recommendation of Kings Chairman and Majority Owner Vivek Ranadivé.

“(Ranadivé) is very supportive of the whole team – not just Rudy and me, but the whole team,” said the Kings center. “It’s good to know your owner has your back like that.”

No. 15 adds the UConn product’s versatility on both ends of the floor will pay major dividends overseas.

“Rudy can guard big forwards – even centers sometimes – and he can post up the smaller guards,” said Cousins. “We can take advantage of (Rudy’s skill set) with a lot of schemes in the game. I think that’s very underrated.”

Following a two-day training camp in Gran Canaria, Spain, Team USA is set to play a final exhibition contest on Aug. 26 against Slovenia at 11 a.m. PDT, before the commencement of the FIBA World Cup preliminary round in Bilbao, Spain on Aug. 30.

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