After the Nuggets were eliminated, the 31-year-old admitted that he isn’t sure whether he’ll be back in Denver. “I honestly don’t know what the future holds,” DeMarcus Cousins said. “A lot in this short time has transpired. I’m still trying to get over the fact that G.P. (Gary Payton II) hit that big shot, right? I’m extremely grateful for this opportunity. I’m happy to be a part of this group. I’m happy with the opportunity that was given to me from Mike, [Nuggets president] Tim [Connelly], [Nuggets general manager Calvin] Booth. To answer that question, I can’t right now. I don’t know what’s future holds.”
What’s the buzz on Twitter?
Ohm Youngmisuk @NotoriousOHM
DeMarcus Cousins says Nikola Jokic, like Russ, is the most disrespected MVP. Jokic said he doesn’t care if people don’t think he’s good. “I think it’s really hard to get here. I respect every player that got here… I cannot control how other people feeling or thinking about me.” – 1:47 AM
DeMarcus Cousins says Nikola Jokic, like Russ, is the most disrespected MVP. Jokic said he doesn’t care if people don’t think he’s good. “I think it’s really hard to get here. I respect every player that got here… I cannot control how other people feeling or thinking about me.” – 1:47 AM
Mike Vorkunov @MikeVorkunov
“Outside of Russ, probably one of the most disrespected MVPs in this league.” — DeMarcus Cousins on Nikola Jokic.
“An incredible, incredible talent. His game speaks for itself… He doesn’t get treated like an MVP.” – 1:28 AM
“Outside of Russ, probably one of the most disrespected MVPs in this league.” — DeMarcus Cousins on Nikola Jokic.
“An incredible, incredible talent. His game speaks for itself… He doesn’t get treated like an MVP.” – 1:28 AM
Michael Singer @msinger
DeMarcus Cousins on Nikola Jokic: “Outside of Russ, probably one of the most disrespected MVPs.”
Said he doesn’t get treated like an MVP. – 1:24 AM
DeMarcus Cousins on Nikola Jokic: “Outside of Russ, probably one of the most disrespected MVPs.”
Said he doesn’t get treated like an MVP. – 1:24 AM
Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
DeMarcus Cousins has been extremely graceful in his postgame presser. Doesn’t want to commit to what he’s thinking about for his personal future but has thanked Michael Malone, Tim Connelly, Calvin Booth, and others for the opportunity he’s been given. – 1:24 AM
DeMarcus Cousins has been extremely graceful in his postgame presser. Doesn’t want to commit to what he’s thinking about for his personal future but has thanked Michael Malone, Tim Connelly, Calvin Booth, and others for the opportunity he’s been given. – 1:24 AM
Michael Singer @msinger
DeMarcus Cousins: “I don’t know what the future holds.”
“I’m extremely grateful for this opportunity. I’m happy to be a part of this group.” – 1:23 AM
DeMarcus Cousins: “I don’t know what the future holds.”
“I’m extremely grateful for this opportunity. I’m happy to be a part of this group.” – 1:23 AM
Michael Singer @msinger
DeMarcus Cousins on what he proved this year: “That I belong here. That I belong in this league.”
Said he’s extremely appreciative of Michael Malone for giving him a chance. – 1:22 AM
DeMarcus Cousins on what he proved this year: “That I belong here. That I belong in this league.”
Said he’s extremely appreciative of Michael Malone for giving him a chance. – 1:22 AM
Michael Singer @msinger
Monte Morris on DeMarcus Cousins: “I vouch for the type of man someone is” … off the court.
Said he can help this team with his experience and his productivity. – 1:11 AM
Monte Morris on DeMarcus Cousins: “I vouch for the type of man someone is” … off the court.
Said he can help this team with his experience and his productivity. – 1:11 AM
Michael Singer @msinger
Malone: I’m really, really happy and really, really proud of DeMarcus Cousins.
Said he gave him a huge hug in the visitor’s locker room.
Said he had a big impact with the #Nuggets and they’ll discuss his future in the coming weeks. – 1:00 AM
Malone: I’m really, really happy and really, really proud of DeMarcus Cousins.
Said he gave him a huge hug in the visitor’s locker room.
Said he had a big impact with the #Nuggets and they’ll discuss his future in the coming weeks. – 1:00 AM
Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
Michael Malone on potential roster decisions this summer, like DeMarcus Cousins: “I’m going to go to a private island in the South Pacific somewhere, sip some Mai Tai’s and review.” – 12:59 AM
Michael Malone on potential roster decisions this summer, like DeMarcus Cousins: “I’m going to go to a private island in the South Pacific somewhere, sip some Mai Tai’s and review.” – 12:59 AM
Mark Haynes @markhaynesnba
Steve Kerr congratulated Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets on a terrific season.
“I also want to mention how happy I am for DeMarcus Cousins. Obviously, I wanted to win, but that guy put his heart on the line for us several years ago, and he’s been through hell.” – 12:59 AM
Steve Kerr congratulated Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets on a terrific season.
“I also want to mention how happy I am for DeMarcus Cousins. Obviously, I wanted to win, but that guy put his heart on the line for us several years ago, and he’s been through hell.” – 12:59 AM
Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Michael Malone said he was really happy and extremely proud of DeMarcus Cousins, that he steadied the ship when the team absolutely needed it.
Said he hopes Cousins is back next year. – 12:59 AM
Michael Malone said he was really happy and extremely proud of DeMarcus Cousins, that he steadied the ship when the team absolutely needed it.
Said he hopes Cousins is back next year. – 12:59 AM
Anthony Slater @anthonyVslater
Steve Kerr: “Jokic is ridiculous.”
Here is his full quote on the Nuggets. Praised DeMarcus Cousins. pic.twitter.com/TNugnGYcCP – 12:54 AM
Steve Kerr: “Jokic is ridiculous.”
Here is his full quote on the Nuggets. Praised DeMarcus Cousins. pic.twitter.com/TNugnGYcCP – 12:54 AM
Connor Letourneau @Con_Chron
Steve Kerr on DeMarcus Cousins: “I want to say how happy I am for DeMarcus … He has been through hell. … It was really fun for me to see him play so well. I can say that now because we’ve won the series.” – 12:54 AM
Steve Kerr on DeMarcus Cousins: “I want to say how happy I am for DeMarcus … He has been through hell. … It was really fun for me to see him play so well. I can say that now because we’ve won the series.” – 12:54 AM
Ohm Youngmisuk @NotoriousOHM
Nikola Jokic picks up his fifth foul and it’s back to the bench. Boogie back in. – 12:06 AM
Nikola Jokic picks up his fifth foul and it’s back to the bench. Boogie back in. – 12:06 AM
Michael Singer @msinger
Jokic picks up his fifth foul within a minute of checking back in. Devastating. He’s coming out and Boogie’s back in. – 12:05 AM
Jokic picks up his fifth foul within a minute of checking back in. Devastating. He’s coming out and Boogie’s back in. – 12:05 AM
Connor Letourneau @Con_Chron
Boogie Cousins — yes, the former All-Star and ex-Warrior whose career was almost over a few months ago — might be the reason the Warriors have to fly back to Denver. Has 19 points in 13 minutes on 8-for-12 shooting. – 12:05 AM
Boogie Cousins — yes, the former All-Star and ex-Warrior whose career was almost over a few months ago — might be the reason the Warriors have to fly back to Denver. Has 19 points in 13 minutes on 8-for-12 shooting. – 12:05 AM
Duvalier Johnson @DuvalierJohnson
DeMarcus Cousins is secretly having his best game in a Nuggets uniform and BOY did they need it. He’s up to 19 points in the game and more importantly bought Nikola Jokic more time in this game.
Jokic enters the game with a 83-79 lead. – 12:05 AM
DeMarcus Cousins is secretly having his best game in a Nuggets uniform and BOY did they need it. He’s up to 19 points in the game and more importantly bought Nikola Jokic more time in this game.
Jokic enters the game with a 83-79 lead. – 12:05 AM
Dave Mason @DeuceMason
Some great minutes for Boogie tonight. He was massive off the bench – 12:05 AM
Some great minutes for Boogie tonight. He was massive off the bench – 12:05 AM
David Morrow @_DavidMorrow
“This is actually DeMarcus Cousins’ playoff career-high now with 19 points.”
“…Really?”
All those Kings years, man 😭 Brutal – 12:05 AM
“This is actually DeMarcus Cousins’ playoff career-high now with 19 points.”
“…Really?”
All those Kings years, man 😭 Brutal – 12:05 AM
Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
Your leading scorers in Game 5 with 8:48 left in the 4th: DeMarcus Cousins and Steph Curry both with 19 points. – 12:04 AM
Your leading scorers in Game 5 with 8:48 left in the 4th: DeMarcus Cousins and Steph Curry both with 19 points. – 12:04 AM
Jason Anderson @JandersonSacBee
Boogie Nights: DeMarcus Cousins has 15 points and four rebounds in 10 minutes. Nuggets lead the Warriors 78-70 heading into the fourth quarter. – 11:59 PM
Boogie Nights: DeMarcus Cousins has 15 points and four rebounds in 10 minutes. Nuggets lead the Warriors 78-70 heading into the fourth quarter. – 11:59 PM
Chuck Cooperstein @coopmavs
An engaged Boogie can still be a threat. Mavs saw that when he played with Bucks in December. He’s been huge tonight and may have to continue to be if Jokic can’t come back – 11:58 PM
An engaged Boogie can still be a threat. Mavs saw that when he played with Bucks in December. He’s been huge tonight and may have to continue to be if Jokic can’t come back – 11:58 PM
Tony Jones @Tjonesonthenba
Boogie Cousins added another year to his NBA career tonight. Love that for him – 11:58 PM
Boogie Cousins added another year to his NBA career tonight. Love that for him – 11:58 PM
Marc J. Spears @MarcJSpears
Nuggets center DeMarcus Cousins has 15 points against Golden State going into the fourth quarter, tied for the most in a playoff game in his career. bit.ly/3uQLksz – 11:57 PM
Nuggets center DeMarcus Cousins has 15 points against Golden State going into the fourth quarter, tied for the most in a playoff game in his career. bit.ly/3uQLksz – 11:57 PM
Marcus Thompson @ThompsonScribe
DeMarcus Cousins has absolutely killed the Warriors. He’s got 15 points on 6-for-9 and is +6 in 10 minutes – 11:56 PM
DeMarcus Cousins has absolutely killed the Warriors. He’s got 15 points on 6-for-9 and is +6 in 10 minutes – 11:56 PM
Gordon Gross @GMoneyNuggs
DeMarcus Cousins is just lighting it UP. pic.twitter.com/V25l4mM5PU – 11:56 PM
DeMarcus Cousins is just lighting it UP. pic.twitter.com/V25l4mM5PU – 11:56 PM
Ohm Youngmisuk @NotoriousOHM
Nikola Jokic goes out much earlier than normal in the third and DeMarcus Cousins lifts Denver to an 8-point lead heading into the fourth. – 11:56 PM
Nikola Jokic goes out much earlier than normal in the third and DeMarcus Cousins lifts Denver to an 8-point lead heading into the fourth. – 11:56 PM
Sean Cunningham @SeanCunningham
DeMarcus Cousins having his finest offensive moment of the series, drilling a 3 and putting his Nuggets up 78-70 headed to the 4th in SF. Cuz with 15 points on 6/9 shooting in his 10 mins of action. – 11:56 PM
DeMarcus Cousins having his finest offensive moment of the series, drilling a 3 and putting his Nuggets up 78-70 headed to the 4th in SF. Cuz with 15 points on 6/9 shooting in his 10 mins of action. – 11:56 PM
Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
Aaron Gordon is battling. Up to 9 rebounds, 6 of them on the offensive glass. He’s been the X-factor tonight along with DeMarcus Cousins. – 11:55 PM
Aaron Gordon is battling. Up to 9 rebounds, 6 of them on the offensive glass. He’s been the X-factor tonight along with DeMarcus Cousins. – 11:55 PM
Haralabos Voulgaris @haralabob
DeMarcus Cousins signing low key turned the Nuggets season around. – 11:54 PM
DeMarcus Cousins signing low key turned the Nuggets season around. – 11:54 PM
Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
Nuggets take Nikola Jokic out with 4:05 in the 3rd. That’s earlier than normal. DeMarcus Cousins is in with the starters and Bones Hyland. – 11:49 PM
Nuggets take Nikola Jokic out with 4:05 in the 3rd. That’s earlier than normal. DeMarcus Cousins is in with the starters and Bones Hyland. – 11:49 PM
Katy Winge @katywinge
Joker good. 12 pts 13 rebounds.
AG good. 15 pts.
Boogie good. 8 pts in 6 minutes.
Free throw attempts good. 20 of them in the first half.
Only giving up 3 points even though Denver has turned it over 9 times, you take that.
Some things to build on, all tied up at the half. – 11:14 PM
Joker good. 12 pts 13 rebounds.
AG good. 15 pts.
Boogie good. 8 pts in 6 minutes.
Free throw attempts good. 20 of them in the first half.
Only giving up 3 points even though Denver has turned it over 9 times, you take that.
Some things to build on, all tied up at the half. – 11:14 PM
Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Halftime rotations for the Nuggets as it’s all knotted up at 48 in Game 5 vs GSW:
-Joker had 12-13-5 but 5 turnovers and some missed FTs. Denver needs perfection in 2H
-Aaron Gordon, take a bow, 15 points and some great defense. Be careful w/ the tech
-Boogie SAVED the bench pic.twitter.com/WjZ47GdU7d – 11:14 PM
Halftime rotations for the Nuggets as it’s all knotted up at 48 in Game 5 vs GSW:
-Joker had 12-13-5 but 5 turnovers and some missed FTs. Denver needs perfection in 2H
-Aaron Gordon, take a bow, 15 points and some great defense. Be careful w/ the tech
-Boogie SAVED the bench pic.twitter.com/WjZ47GdU7d – 11:14 PM
Michael Singer @msinger
#Nuggets are about to take their 16th FTs of the 1st half. They’ve gotten games from AG (14 points), Joker (6/9/4) & Boogie (8 points). Haven’t let the Warriors get loose at all. They were close (or leading) midway through the 2nd in Games 1/2. Can’t fault their fight so far … – 10:59 PM
#Nuggets are about to take their 16th FTs of the 1st half. They’ve gotten games from AG (14 points), Joker (6/9/4) & Boogie (8 points). Haven’t let the Warriors get loose at all. They were close (or leading) midway through the 2nd in Games 1/2. Can’t fault their fight so far … – 10:59 PM
Anthony Slater @anthonyVslater
Nuggets are cumulative +2 in the DeMarcus Cousins minutes in this series. Major win for Denver, missed chance for Warriors. Lets Jokic rest comfortably. Cousins gets targeted on D, but he’s been a hassle for GSW to guard. At minimum, think he’s earned backup C gig this summer. – 10:58 PM
Nuggets are cumulative +2 in the DeMarcus Cousins minutes in this series. Major win for Denver, missed chance for Warriors. Lets Jokic rest comfortably. Cousins gets targeted on D, but he’s been a hassle for GSW to guard. At minimum, think he’s earned backup C gig this summer. – 10:58 PM
Gordon Gross @GMoneyNuggs
DeMarcus. Cousins. And Denver is keeping the boards too which is vital to limiting GSW to one shot. – 10:55 PM
DeMarcus. Cousins. And Denver is keeping the boards too which is vital to limiting GSW to one shot. – 10:55 PM
Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Nuggets will be in the bonus for the rest of the quarter. DeMarcus Cousins has been worth his weight in gold. – 10:55 PM
Nuggets will be in the bonus for the rest of the quarter. DeMarcus Cousins has been worth his weight in gold. – 10:55 PM
Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
Nuggets just got some massive 2nd quarter minutes from DeMarcus Cousins. – 10:54 PM
Nuggets just got some massive 2nd quarter minutes from DeMarcus Cousins. – 10:54 PM
Michael Singer @msinger
… Where would the #Nuggets be right now without DeMarcus Cousins? He’s anchored this second unit so far this quarter. – 10:50 PM
… Where would the #Nuggets be right now without DeMarcus Cousins? He’s anchored this second unit so far this quarter. – 10:50 PM
Ohm Youngmisuk @NotoriousOHM
Malone trying to buy time with Facu, Forbes, Bones, Jeff Green and Boogie on the floor. Three point guards for the Nuggets. Basically just go straight 90’s, pound the ball inside and let Boogie bully his way to the rim ball until Joker comes back in. – 10:43 PM
Malone trying to buy time with Facu, Forbes, Bones, Jeff Green and Boogie on the floor. Three point guards for the Nuggets. Basically just go straight 90’s, pound the ball inside and let Boogie bully his way to the rim ball until Joker comes back in. – 10:43 PM
Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
This Facu Campazzo, Bones Hyland, Bryn Forbes, JaMychal Green, DeMarcus Cousins lineup played zero minutes together during the regular season. Season debut in Game 5. – 10:42 PM
This Facu Campazzo, Bones Hyland, Bryn Forbes, JaMychal Green, DeMarcus Cousins lineup played zero minutes together during the regular season. Season debut in Game 5. – 10:42 PM
Marcus Thompson @ThompsonScribe
Unlike last game, Warriors immediately puts Boogie in the pick-and-roll – 10:35 PM
Unlike last game, Warriors immediately puts Boogie in the pick-and-roll – 10:35 PM
More on this storyline
With that said, Cousins proved that he still has a lot to offer a team, and he should receive significantly more interest during this year’s free-agency period. “I belong here; I belong in this league,” Cousins said. “I was given the opportunity. I’m thankful for Mike Malone. I spoke with him before. A lot of doors closed for me. Mike looked out, gave me an opportunity. I just tried to take the best advantage of it as I could. That’s what I did.” -via basketballnews.com / April 28, 2022
DeMarcus Cousins admits: He thought about quitting. “A lot of doors closed,” Cousins says. Houston, where Cousins played 25 games in 2020-21, was rock bottom. “It was horrible,” Cousins said. “A lot of teams promise you one thing, will tell you something in your face, and when the time comes around, no phone calls, they go silent. They tell you one thing and then tell your agent another. It’s just a lot of bulls—. There’s a lot of bulls— in this business, and in my eyes, a lot of it’s unfair. But it is what it is.” -via Sports Illustrated / April 27, 2022
The money disappeared. Interest from teams dried up. A player once considered one of the NBA’s best centers struggled to earn 10-day contracts. “It’s crazy, you do so much and then leave,” Cousins told SI. “You’ve proven yourself year after year, and once you hit the end of that adversity, they just kind of give up on you. You know, I look at some of my other peers, and they went through similar situations and they can bounce back and still get the same opportunities. I mean, I would be lying to say it doesn’t suck, but these are the cards I’ve been dealt, and all I can do is deal with it to the best of my ability.” -via Sports Illustrated / April 27, 2022