FIBA World Cup: DeMarcus Cousins…A Role Model?

Aug 1, 2014; Las Vegas, NV, USA; USA Team Blue forward Mason Plumlee (35) reacts to his wrist being held by USA Team White center DeMarcus Cousins (36) during the USA Basketball Showcase at Thomas & Mack Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

Remember back in the day when Nike released that then controversial commercial featuring Charles Barkley saying I’m not a role model? At the time, Barkley (even though he was so right) was widely criticized for supposedly shirking his responsibilities to children.

Fast forward to this week, when Sacramento Kings is widely known in NBA circles as a player who ahem…has been known to lose it like Eminem from time to time. But Cousins sees  it in a different context.

The center told USA Basketball’s official website that he views himself as a “role model.”

"“I’m a role model, absolutely. There are different types of people out there, and I come from a different type of place. So, I absolutely think I am a role model.”” I come from a place where there are not a lot of opportunities,” Cousins explained. “People there, they don’t ever dream big because they don’t think it ever really exists. Like the things you see on TV, they think it’s a false world. And them seeing me make it, they believe it is possible. Those people grew up with me; they have seen the struggles; they have seen me fight and work my way to where I am now, so I absolutely believe I am a role model.”"

Okay, I’m going to wait a minute for everyone to get up from the floor laughing. Let me tell you guys something. DeMarcus Cousins can be THE most dominant center in the NBA on one condition…

DeMARCUS COUSINS NEEDS TO CONTROL HIS GOD AWFUL TEMPER!

How bad is his temper? His temper made it touch and go that he would even make the USA team. Really? Mason Plumlee? Cousins would destroy Plumlee 99 out of 100 times and the one time that Plumlee would win is if Cousins was flatlining on a death bed (Plumlee would still win by only a basket.) Plumlee in my opinion is only on the squad for insurance in case Cousins goes off the deep end in the medal rounds in crunch time.

DeMarcus Cousins averaged 22.7 points and 11.7 rebounds last season with the Sacramento Kings. He has all of the low post moves that will make him a dominant big man for years to come. I only hope minority owner Shaquille O’Neal mentors him and helps Cousins get to the next level.

If DeMarcus Cousins is reading this (and getting mad) take a look at your past history.

January 1, 2012

Then head coach, Paul Westphal sent Cousins home from the Kings’ home game against the New Orleans Hornets saying that Cousins was “unwilling/unable to embrace traveling in the same direction as his team; it cannot be ignored indefinitely.” Cousins reportedly had demanded to be traded. Cousins denied asking to be traded.

Maybe he made these denials after…

January 5, 2012

Paul Westphal was fired as head coach of the Kings. Some (also read…everyone) believed the relationship with Cousins was a factor in Westphal getting fired.

November 11, 2012

The league suspended Cousins for two games without pay for confronting San Antonio Spurs commentator Sean Elliott “in a hostile manner” after Elliott criticized Cousins for attempting to bully Tim Duncan on the court. After finding out about what was said, Cousins left locker room and waited on the court for Elliott to finish his post game show before confronting him. Cousins later apologized to Elliott in March of 2014.

On December 22, 2012

The Kings suspended Cousins indefinitely (two days) without pay for “unprofessional behavior and conduct detrimental to the team.” It was a microcosm of the season where he led  the NBA in technical fouls with 16. Cousins was ejected several times and was suspended from the Kings and the league.

February 26, 2014

DeMarcus Cousins received a one game suspension for punching Patrick Beverly in the stomach. At least Russell Westbrook will send you a Christmas card.

This might seem like I’m clowning DeMarcus Cousins (maybe I am) but we have to keep it real here. There are two types of teachers.

A) The ones that teach you what to do.

B) The ones that teach you what not to do.

DeMarcus…which teacher are you? Remember, you said you are a role model.