DeMarcus Cousins Speaks On Potential NBA Return

The volatile but talented big man hasn't played in the NBA since the 2021-22 season. DeMarcus Cousins has been beating the drums for a return to the Association right up until earlier this season. Still only 33, does he feel like he still has a shot at an NBA return?

DeMarcus Cousins on making a return to the NBA in the near future: "Honestly, no. 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… pic.twitter.com/poGVzF75U7

— HoopsHype (@hoopshype) February 23, 2024

Sounds like he's given up the ghost, and is finally at ease with not being offered a contract again.

“Honestly, no. 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.”  

Cousins was a four-time All-Star with the Sacramento Kings and New Orleans Pelicans (twice each), before a series of devastating lower-body injuries sapped him of his explosiveness and left him bouncing from team to team on 10-day contracts in his last couple of seasons, and then out of a job entirely the past two years. 

He suffered a ruptured Achilles, as well as a torn ACL and quadriceps over a two-year period from 2018 through 2020. 

Overall, in his 12-year career, he averaged 19.6 points, 10.2 boards and three assists with more than one blocked shot per game. 

Photo: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports