DeMarcus Cousins. Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Four-time All-Star accepts end of NBA career

By Adam Taylor | Last updated 2/23/24

DeMarcus Cousins has accepted that his time in the NBA is over. The former All-Star big man told HoopsHype's Cyro Asseo that he's accepted his days in the league are over. He's now looking forward to what the next chapter of his life brings.

"I know I’ve had my time there," Cousins said. "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."

DeMarcus Cousins says he's done with the NBA; via @CyroAsseo

"I know I’ve had my time there [in the NBA]... there was a point where I was trying to make that happen. But the place I’m in my life now... I’m in a good place. I’m ready to move on to the next and see what’s in store… pic.twitter.com/0zMXzvebQE
— BASKETBALL ON (@BasketballOnX) February 23, 2024

Cousins, 33, hasn't been in the NBA since leaving the Denver Nuggets in 2022. In his prime, Cousins was among the best centers in the NBA. Despite being drafted before the three-point revolution, he was a capable floor spacer who thrived on the interior, could defend the rim and was a solid rebounder.

Unfortunately for Cousins, he suffered three major injuries in 18 months. First, it was a torn left Achilles tendon in 2018. Then, he injured his quadricep in 2019. And in the following season, he suffered a torn ACL while representing the Los Angeles Lakers. On their own, each of those injuries is significant and can affect a career. Together, they sapped his natural athleticism and diminished his overall skill set on the court.

The tough reality is that Cousins would likely still be in the NBA if he hadn't had such a difficult run of injuries. He was a talented big man who would fit in the modern-day playing style. He would have been a viable veteran for most contending teams. However, those injuries did happen.

Accepting that his tenure in the NBA is over can't have been easy for Cousins. He may still choose to continue his career overseas. Or, he could begin working on the next phase of his professional career, whatever that may be.

Either way, there's no denying that at his best, he was one of the most talented players at his position in the world. He was an All-Star on four occasions. He can walk away from the NBA knowing he gave a fantastic account of himself and his on-court skills.

If he takes that same competitiveness and grit into the next phase of his life, he will undoubtedly find success.

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