Bay Area Sports: Ranking the Top 30 Players

Nov 13, 2015; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings forward DeMarcus Cousins (15) celebrates after a basket and foul against the Brooklyn Nets during the fourth quarter at Sleep Train Arena. The Sacramento Kings defeated the Brooklyn Nets 111-109. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

#4 – DeMarcus Cousins, Sacramento Kings

With hellfire and brimstone around him, DeMarcus Cousins has become one of the best, most dominant big men in basketball. Last year, as he battled through injuries and illness, Cousins dominated the game, and if not for him, the Kings may have been the worst team in basketball.

In 59 games, Cousins finished seventh in the league in scoring at 24.1 points, third in rebounding at 12.7, and third among centers in assists at 3.6 per game. Cousins has gotten progressively better as his career has rolled on, and this year is no exception. Very early in the season, Cousins has upped his scoring average and continues to be a force on the glass.

This year, Cousins has even added a three-point shot to his game. In his first five seasons in the NBA, Cousins made 11 three-pointers in 350 games. This year, he’s made 14 in his first nine games. There shouldn’t be any doubt that Cousins is the most well-rounded big man in the game right now. He can get to the basket off the dribble, post up, and even shoot long range. He’s an incredible athlete.

He’s also a pretty good guy, under all the chest-thumping, yelling, and antics on the court. Cousins paid for the funeral of a slain high school football player from the Sacramento area last week, and it’s not the first time he’s done something like that. Underneath all that fire is a heart of gold.

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