Sacramento Kings – DeMarcus Cousins, #15
In 2017, DeMarcus Cousins said he wanted to remain a member of the Kings for his whole career but was about to become a free agent. Cousins was assured by then-Kings GM Vlade Divac that he wasn’t going to be traded. Then he was traded to the Pelicans.
Cousins had previously played parts of seven seasons in Sacramento. He was known for his short temper with the officials but also averaged 21.1 points and 10.8 rebounds in 470 games with the Kings. Cousins still ranks in the franchise’s top 10 in points, rebounds, and blocks.
Will Boogie actually see his number 15 retired by the Kings? Crazier things have happened.
Other Players in Consideration: DeAaron Fox, Domantas Sabonis
San Antonio Spurs – Kawhi Leonard, #2
Many Spurs fans may curse at the choice of Kawhi Leonard being the next player to have his jersey number retired by the team. It was an odd ending to the relationship between the Spurs and Leonard, but the fact is as Isiah Thomas famously said he, “meets the criteria.”
Leonard played seven seasons with the Spurs. He was a two-time NBA All-Star and two-time Defensive Player of the Year award in San Antonio. He also helped propel the Spurs to two NBA Finals appearances, resulting in one championship. Leonard won NBA Finals MVP in 2014.
Spurs fans may not want to admit it, but Kawhi Leonard deserves to have his number retired by the club.
Other Players in Consideration: LaMarcus Aldridge, Keldon Johnson