Prediction: DeMarcus Cousins Reaches New Career Heights This Season

DeMarcus Cousins expands his game in his age 26 season to reach new career heights.  This article examines his offseason changes to predict this season’s stat line.

DeMarcus “Boogie” Cousins is the star of the Sacramento Kings.  He is only 26 years young and the ability is still there to improve his game.  He had a great offseason and I am predicting that allows him to reach a new level of production in the upcoming season.

Let us dive into Cousins’ offseason and then predict where his stat line will read by season’s end.

Offseason Transformation

DeMarcus Cousins made two offseason commitments that improved his NBA game for the better.

First, he dedicated himself to doing hot yoga to drop some excess weight.  The Sacramento Bee’s Jason Jones wrote a great article here if you want to read more about that topic.  Below is a video of Cousins doing hot yoga if you want to check it out.

Second, he played for Team USA in the 2016 Rio Olympics.  Surrounding yourself with world’s top players has to improve your game.  He was practicing on a daily basis against Carmelo Anthony, Kevin Durant, DeAndre Jordan, Draymond Green, and other great members of the team.  Then, he went to Rio and helped the team capture an Olympic Gold Medal.  It was a great experience for Cousins and should have made him hungrier and more focused this NBA season.

Effect of Coach Joerger

The Sacramento Kings have yet another new head coach to start this NBA season.  Former Memphis Grizzlies head man Dave Joerger takes the helm of the Kings this season.  Cousins and Coach George Karl did not seem to get along well, but early reports are positive with Coach Joerger.

Coach Joerger is installing a high post offense this season.  That should put the ball in Boogie’s hands early and often.  Here is another article from the great Jason Jones that shares some of Cousins’ thoughts about the offense and its potential.  It is worth a read if you have not checked it out.  It looks like Cousins is meshing well with Coach Joerger and that should only lead to more production on the court.

Growth

I think DeMarcus Cousin is growing as a person in a lot of ways.  This is hard to quantify and if you think I am just making things up, feel free to skip down to the next section now.   Cousins seems to embrace his leadership role finally.  Over the summer, Believe the Hype did a great interview with Boogie where he talked about taking things from his Team USA experience and applying them with and leading the Sacramento Kings.  Check it out because it is some good content if you haven’t seen it already.

I think he can still grow his on-court game as well.  He can be more efficient and limit his turnovers on offense.  He can improve his play and be a better leader who makes his teammates better on both ends of the court.  I think it is going to be a monster season for DeMarcus Cousins this year because I think he is going to grow on the court and with his leadership to make the players around him better.

Predicting the Stat Line

Here it is, what you have all been waiting for, DeMarcus Cousins projected stat line time.  I predict Cousins will average a career high in points, assists, and steals.  I believe the monster stat line will read like this at season’s end: 12.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.7 steals, 1.5 blocks, 4.0 turnovers, and 27.5 points per game on 46.0% from the field and 72.5% from the charity stripe.  That is a massive stat line.  I think his usage rate will drop slightly, but his shooting percentages will rise to allow him to score a career-high number of points per game.  Here is to hoping he can stay healthy and lead the Kings to the playoffs while producing that monster stat line.

Summary

DeMarcus Cousins worked hard this offseason, new Coach Joerger had a positive impact on him, and his personal growth should lead to DeMarcus Cousins producing a monster stat line.  Cousins has looked very fit and played with a really high motor during the preseason.  That should translate to regular season play and make him a joy to watch on both ends of the floor.

Next: Sacramento Kings: “Welcome to basketball hell!”?

I know the prediction is not super bold or flashy, but not every prediction is.  I am trying to give you what I see happening with DeMarcus Cousins this season and I hope you found this entertaining and informative.

Stay tuned to A Royal Pain for everything you need to know about the Kings this season.  Thank you for reading.