Why I Finally Respect the Sacramento Kings

So long Demarcus Cousins, adios franchise cornerstone, good bye 7 years of mediocrity, turmoil, and off the court drama: hello future, what’s up hope, it’s nice to see you again. By shipping to Demarcus Cousins to the New Orleans Pelicans just moments after the 2017 NBA All-Star game, the Sacramento Kings sent a message to the rest of the NBA: enough is enough.

After selecting Cousins 5th overall in the 2010 NBA draft, the Kings made the somewhat insane, egotistical maniac the face of their franchise. It certainly brought them attention, but also zero playoff appearances in 6 seasons. Cousins deranged pre, during, and post games rants tore apart the players from the coaching staff and head management. Yes, he is an All-Star, and he certainly is an individually talented player, but a leader? Think again. The face of a franchise? Hell no.

People will mock the Kings, say how they got “snaked” in the Cousins deal, but they got valuable draft picks and rookie sensation Buddy Hield. Maybe the Kings won’t make the playoffs this season, or the next, or year after that. But this move has the makings of a ripple effect far into their now glistening future. I see a roster loaded with hope, optimism, spry legs, and the willingness to sacrifice for the good of the team, and for W’s. Call me crazy, call me what you will, but by getting rid of their franchise player, Sacramento got their franchise back.