DeMarcus Cousins: Is 2016-17 The Year Of The Boogie?

With an already big summer in the books for DeMarcus Cousins, could 2016-17 be The Year of The Boogie?

DeMarcus Cousins might not be every NBA fan’s cup of tea. At times ill-tempered, selfish, a labeled coach killer and denier of high fives, but no doubt about it, he is one of the top players in the game today.

Cousins finished 2016 fourth in the league in scoring (26.9 PPG) and fifth in the league in rebounding (11.5 RPG), while the Kings finished with their best record since 2006-07. Still, predictably, 33-49 wasn’t enough to earn them a trip to the postseason.

The Sacramento Kings are years away from a playoff berth and the often times laughable moves of the organization doesn’t garner much respect. Clashes between the front office and coaches, often times revolving around Cousins, has been a focal point and a major distraction for the franchise.

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General Manager Vlade Divac is possibly Cousins’ biggest fan and has been in Boogie’s corner when it has come to coaches clashing with his star Center. The Kings’ latest coaching victim was George Karl (the Kings 5th coach since drafting Cousins in 2010). It was no secret that Cousins and Karl weren’t the best of friends, with Karl questioning Cousins’ work ethic and lack of being a team player and DeMarcus publicly criticizing his coach.

With no compromise in sight, the Kings chose the side of the All-Star Center. The Kings hired former Memphis Grizzlies coach Dave Joerger in hopes of ending their never-ending coaching carousel.

Joerger spent eight seasons, three as head coach, with the Grizzlies which is an eternity in the NBA. Joerger, a young players’ coach is no stranger to difficult front offices and difficult locker room personalities.

Zach Randolph at one time, like Cousins, was labeled a head case and often times had on-court tirades, meshed well with Joerger as Randolph matured. Coach Joerger is a defensive-minded coach that improved the Grizzlies defensive efficiency every season while he was at the helm.

Cousins learning to win, trust teammates and playing team ball could very well translate into the NBA season

Calling the Kings defense putrid is putting it nicely as they have ranked in the bottom six in defensive efficiency since Cousins arrived in the league. Surely, Joerger will help Cousins and the Kings in that area.

Sacramento’s roster is a bit of a cluster. The additions of big men Skal Labissiere and Georgios Papagiannis left many scratching their heads and had Boogie asking for a high power’s strength. The crowded frontcourt won’t affect Cousins’ minutes or production as won’t the new signings of Arron Afflalo, Garrett Temple and as I write this, Ty Lawson.

With Darren Collison taking over for Rajon Rondo at the point, there’s a new-look backcourt. And, as long as he’s still around, perhaps more production from Rudy Gay, maybe the group of misfits could take the pressure of Cousins this season.

Perhaps the biggest question people are wondering is if DeMarcus Cousins is ready to be a winner? During Cousins lone year at Kentucky, the team came up short with an elite eight appearance and has never reached any remote success in his pro career with the Kings.

How do you become a winner? Surround yourself with winners. Cousins spent the Summer playing in Rio for Team USA. Cousins started in five matches and averaged just under 10 points per game as the US claimed gold. Spending time with other NBA superstars, sharing the role and not being the constant go-to option might be what the doctor ordered for Cousins and the Kings.

Cousins learning to win, trust teammates and playing team ball could very well translate into the NBA season.

Of course, this could all be thrown into the garbage immediately for DeMarcus Cousins’ big year with the Kings with his name consistently being in trade rumors. Whether it’s to Boston, Chicago or Los Angeles, not a day passes that I don’t read hypothetical trades swirling around the internet.

Another disappointing season or lack of improvement might mean the Kings could be looking to start fresh. For now, though, Cousins remains with the Kings and has two seasons before he enters free agency.

A new coach, new faces for teammates and perhaps a new attitude, Cousins enters the upcoming NBA season with big expectations. The year of Boogie is here.

must read: Ranking Every NBA Team's Starting Frontcourt

BOLD BOOGIE PREDICTIONS FOR 2016-2017

1st Team All-NBA
All-Star for the 3rd time
27 PPG
13 RPG
Less than 10 Technicals on the Year

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