In a recent interview, four-time NBA All-Star Demarcus Cousins announced he will no longer attempt a comeback to return to the league:
I know I’ve had my time there. You know, there was a point where I was trying to make that happen. But the place I’m in my life now, just with everything I’ve got going on, just outside of basketball, like I’m in a good place. So, like I said, I’m excited for what I have ahead and my future. You know, my 12 years in the league were a small chapter or chapters in my life. And, I’m ready to move on to the next and see what’s in store for me.
Most notably, Cousins was a dominant center during his time with the Sacramento Kings. In his Kings tenure, Cousins averaged 21.1 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game. In addition to his NBA All-Star Team nods, Cousins is a two-time All-NBA Second Team selection as well.
Cousins became a bit of a journeyman in his last few years in the league, last playing in the NBA with the Denver Nuggets in 2022.
In December 2023, the 33-year-old signed a deal to play overseas with the Taiwan Beer Leopards of the T1 League in Taiwan.
DeMarcus Cousins is moving on from the NBA
“I know I’ve had my time there. You know, there was a point where I was trying to make that happen. But the place I’m in my life now, just with everything I’ve got going on, just outside of basketball, like I’m in a good place. So,… pic.twitter.com/InuoVStXJz
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) February 23, 2024
NBA News: 4x NBA All-Star Officially Done with Comeback Attempt
What’s Next for Demarcus Cousins’ Post-NBA Career?
Although he is not interested in an NBA return, Cousins has not retired from the sport altogether. One possible destination for him? Ice Cube’s BIG3 League.
In April 2023, Ice Cube talked about wanting Cousins to join the league:
“My man Boogie going overseas. Boogie, come play in the Big3 on CBS, man! Sometimes I feel a little conflicted about asking guys to come to the league when I know they still deserve to be in the NBA. And he’s a guy that deserves to be in the NBA, Isaiah Thomas is a guy that deserves to be in the NBA right, Lou Williams deserves to be in the NBA. So I’ll be a little conflicted about asking them, but if they don’t want you, we do got you! You know, get down for the fans in the league where you can shine and be treated like the superstar that you are.”
On the flip side, if Cousins is set to end his basketball career completely, he currently has a podcast with NBA personality Rachel Nichols, “Bully Ball.” Retired athletes, especially coming from the NBA, venturing further into podcasting is not unprecedented. It could make sense for “Boogie Cousins” to focus on his podcast and talk about the game he once dominated.
DeMarcus Cousins 2017-18 with Pelicans:
— 25.2 PPG | 12.9 RPG | 5.4 APG
— 1.6 BPG
— 1.6 SPG
— 47/35/75%Such a monster before his unfortunate injury pic.twitter.com/jUhovLuOc8
— Hoop Muse (@HoopMuse) February 23, 2024
The Last Word on Cousins
Cousins was a very fun player to watch in his prime. It is likely the former NBA All-Star will not go into the Basketball Hall of Fame. That said, there is no denying the impact he made during his time in the league. At a time when big men started to stretch the floor just a little more, Cousins was the first major big man to adjust and elevate his game. The NBA will certainly miss him.
