Cousins reveals how García shifted his initial perspective on Kings originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
DeMarcus Cousins’ journey with the Kings has certainly had its ups and downs.
<p.Selected fifth overall by Sacramento in the 2010 NBA Draft, Cousins looked back on his challenging time with the franchise during and after his six-and-a-half years in Sacramento.
The four-time NBA All-Star recently appeared on The Draymond Green Show, where he shared an enlightening conversation he had with ex-Kings player Francisco García that altered his view of the organization early in his career.
“It was challenging and quite perplexing,” Cousins reflected. “Things were even tougher for me coming from Kentucky, where [Coach Jon Calipari] treated us like professionals, preparing us for the next level. I always appreciate my mentor Francisco García. Cisco was my veteran. I recall during my rookie year, it was something simple that I can’t even remember now, but at Kentucky, I had never encountered such a task, and then I came to the Kings thinking this was an even higher level.”
“This is elite basketball, so my expectations were very high. The task itself was straightforward, and I remember Cisco saying something like, ‘Yo, you really were spoiled at Kentucky.’ My immediate reaction was, ‘Damn, maybe he’s right.’ But then I thought, ‘This is a higher level; why is being spoiled a concern?’
“To cut a long story short, Cisco was eventually traded to the Houston Rockets. I later spoke with him, and he said, ‘Man, I remember that day I called you spoiled.’ He admitted, ’I was wrong. We were in a bad situation.’ I knew I wasn’t mistaken.”
Following a standout career at Kentucky, Cousins made his NBA debut with a team that had just recorded a 25-57 record, finishing 14th in the Western Conference.
In his rookie year, Cousins posted averages of 14.1 points and a leading 8.6 rebounds, but the Kings, with a record of 14-58, again ranked last in the West. Sacramento didn’t exceed 29 wins during Cousins’ time with the team until the 2015-16 season (33-49, finishing 10th in the West) and the subsequent 2016-17 season (32-50), the latter marking the year he was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans.
Over the course of 470 games spanning nearly seven seasons, Cousins averaged 21.1 points on 45.9 percent shooting, along with 10.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.2 blocks. He garnered First Team All-Rookie honors and two Second Team All-NBA distinctions.
Despite establishing his legacy in Sacramento, Cousins acknowledged that it was challenging to cope with the constant changes within the organization as it sought to improve its standing in the conference.
“I’m not here to criticize the Kings or anything,” Cousins stated. “In sports, there are fluctuations in performance. I just happened to arrive at a time when the organization was struggling and trying to find its way. It was in a period of transition. The owners who drafted me were prepared to sell the team and move on. So, there were many factors I encountered that were beyond my control. The average fan may not fully grasp this aspect of the business or the sport. Hence, it’s simple to scrutinize my situation and assign blame. To be honest, a lot of it was my doing. I made plenty of poor decisions. A lot of foolish actions. But that’s part of maturation and becoming an adult. You learn through challenges. However, it was tough. Figuring it all out was not easy.
“Every year introduced a new system, and that was hard to manage. Each coach implemented a different strategy and had unique perspectives. Finding success in a new system each year was incredibly challenging. Additionally, while players certainly contribute to the team’s culture, the foundation of a successful organization begins at the top. That’s true for any type of organization. Things just weren’t aligning, and the Kings were not yet poised to thrive. I experienced two ownership transitions, had three general managers, and in my six and a half years, I worked under six different coaches. As I mentioned, it wasn’t easy to navigate through all of that. But when it came to competing, that was my foundation.
“I had personal objectives aimed at being the best player possible, regardless of the circumstances, and I sought ways to shine. That was my mindset throughout that journey.”
After a 16-season stretch, the Kings finally ended their longstanding playoff drought and are now on a path toward sustained success in the NBA. This revival is “dope” according to Cousins, who expressed in a recent interview that despite any past tensions with the organization, he is genuinely pleased for the “incredible” fans and the city of Sacramento.
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# DeMarcus Cousins Reflects on How Francisco García Changed His View of the Kings Organization
DeMarcus Cousins, the former star center of the Sacramento Kings, has shared insightful reflections on his time with the team and how Francisco García played a pivotal role in changing his perception of the Kings organization. Through shared experiences, mentorship, and camaraderie, García’s influence helped Cousins understand the broader dynamics of professional basketball and the importance of community and support within an organization.
## The Early Years: Cousins and García’s Connection
### A Shared Journey
DeMarcus Cousins entered the NBA in 2010 as the fifth overall pick in the draft. He joined a struggling Sacramento Kings team that was in the midst of a rebuilding phase. Francisco García, a talented shooting guard, was already a seasoned player with the Kings, having been with the organization since 2005. Their paths crossed at a crucial time, allowing them to form a unique bond.
### The Mentor Role
García took on a mentor-like role for Cousins during those formative years. He offered guidance, support, and a sense of stability while Cousins navigated the challenges of being a young professional athlete. García’s veteran presence was instrumental in helping Cousins develop not only as a player but also as a person.
## How García Changed Cousins’ Perspective
### Emphasizing Teamwork and Unity
One of the most significant impacts García had on Cousins was instilling the importance of teamwork. Cousins often felt isolated within the Kings organization, dealing with the pressures of expectations and the weight of being the franchise player. García, through his actions and words, emphasized that success in basketball is a collective effort.
- **Learning from Mistakes**: García encouraged Cousins to embrace mistakes as learning opportunities rather than setbacks.
– **Promoting Communication**: He advocated for open communication among teammates, which fostered a sense of belonging and loyalty within the team.
### The Importance of Community
García also highlighted the importance of community, both on and off the court. He showed Cousins how the Kings organization was more than just a team—it was a family and a community that could uplift its members. This perspective was crucial for Cousins, who often felt disconnected from the fans and the city.
#### Key Takeaways from García’s Influence
– **Connection with Fans**: Understanding the importance of engaging with fans and the local community.
– **Building Relationships**: Fostering relationships with teammates and coaching staff to create a supportive environment.
## Cousins’ Transformation: Personal Growth and Professional Development
### On-Court Performance
As Cousins embraced García’s teachings, his on-court performance improved significantly. He became a two-time NBA All-Star, showcasing his talent while also becoming a better teammate.
#### Statistical Highlights
| Season | PPG (Points per Game) | RPG (Rebounds per Game) | APG (Assists per Game) | All-Star Selections |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010-2011 | 14.1 | 8.6 | 2.5 | 0 |
| 2014-2015 | 24.1 | 12.7 | 3.6 | 1 |
| 2016-2017 | 27.8 | 12.6 | 5.9 | 2 |
### Off-Court Growth
García’s influence extended beyond the basketball court. He encouraged Cousins to engage with the community and give back, something that Cousins has carried into his post-NBA career.
– **Philanthropy**: Cousins has been involved in various charitable efforts, emphasizing the importance of supporting youth and underserved communities.
– **Personal Reflection**: He has openly discussed his journey of self-discovery and the impact of mentorship on his life.
## The Legacy of Francisco García
### Influencing Future Generations
Francisco García’s impact on DeMarcus Cousins has set a precedent for how mentorship can transform a player’s career. The relationship serves as a model for younger players and veterans alike, demonstrating the power of nurturing talent and character within an organization.
### Continuing the Conversation
Cousins continues to speak fondly of García, emphasizing the need for mentorship in professional sports. His reflections have sparked conversations about the roles veterans play in shaping the careers of younger athletes.
## Benefits of Mentorship in Sports
### Enhanced Performance
– **Skill Development**: Players learn from experienced teammates, enhancing their skills and understanding of the game.
- **Resilience**: Mentors teach younger players how to handle adversity and pressure.
### Building a Stronger Team Culture
– **Trust and Respect**: Mentorship fosters trust among teammates, leading to improved collaboration on the court.
- **Community Engagement**: Mentored players are often more engaged with their communities, enhancing the overall reputation of the organization.
## First-Hand Experience: Cousins’ Reflections
DeMarcus Cousins has openly expressed gratitude for Francisco García’s mentorship. In various interviews, he noted how García’s insights helped him navigate the challenges of being a young athlete in a demanding environment. Cousins stated:
>”Francisco taught me that it’s not just about basketball. It’s about how you carry yourself, how you treat others, and how you stay connected to your roots.”
This sentiment resonates with many athletes who understand that success is not only measured by stats but also by character and relationships.
## Conclusion: A Lasting Impact
The relationship between DeMarcus Cousins and Francisco García exemplifies the profound impact mentorship can have on an athlete’s journey. By emphasizing teamwork, community, and personal growth, García changed Cousins’ outlook on the Kings organization and the sport as a whole. This story serves as a reminder of the importance of strong relationships in professional sports and the lasting legacy of mentorship within teams.
In the world of sports, where pressure and expectations are high, having a mentor can make all the difference. As Cousins continues to reflect on his experiences, it’s clear that the lessons learned from García will resonate for years to come, inspiring future generations of athletes to value mentorship as a critical component of their journey.
