David Zalubowski / Associated Press
DeMarcus Cousins doesn’t regret giving up on the NBA reboot to focus on his rehab, but he misses the game more than ever.
“I miss basketball in general. I have been playing this game since I was a kid and have never been away from it for so long, so I miss it more than ever,” Cousins told Rohan Nadkarni. Sports Illustrated. “But given the circumstances, it’s a different game now. Nothing but respect for the guys who went on the bubble and are doing what they are doing.
“For me, it just wasn’t the right situation or the right time to try to force myself. I am already fighting to heal and the obstacles in front of me. Other than that to add the different elements that exist between us, it was not the right time for me. I’m looking forward to next season. “
Cousins suffered a torn ACL last August in a steal match. He had signed a one-year contract with the Lakers, who renounced him in February to create a roster space. While it’s likely Cousins could have signed with an Orlando reboot team, he decided it was in his long-term best interest to continue remodeling.
Cousins said he has been paying attention to matches from afar and appreciates the league’s efforts to normalize matches in Orlando as much as possible. That said, not being on the floor weighed on him:
“It’s tough, no lies. I would be lying if I said it was an easy journey or it wasn’t difficult. It was definitely a difficult journey. But that’s the nature of this business. This is what separates kids that last 15 years. years in the league to boys who have a short period.
“The thing I preach to many young players and younger generations in general, when it comes to being successful or being the best you can be in the industry, whatever the field, it will take commitment. It will be ups and downs, but as long as that you commit to whatever you do in life, that is what it will take. I accept that this is part of the business. All I can do is work my tail to get back to where I want to be. “
Cousins suffered an Achilles breakup in January 2018, kicking off two of the worst seasons of his career. He returned midway through the 2018-19 season with the Golden State Warriors, but later ripped off the quad in the second playoff game. After returning briefly and battling during the NBA Finals, Cousins went free agency hoping that a one-year stint with the Lakers would improve his league position and possibly get him a championship.
“I just appreciate the moment. There aren’t many people who can say they played in the finals. I’m someone who can tell,” Cousins said of his experience in the finals. “Was that in the circumstances I wanted? No. But I still appreciate that moment.”
Once again a free agent, Cousins will likely have to stick to another 2020-21 team on a one-year contract to re-establish himself as one of the league’s top big men.
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