Rise to Success: Career Highlights of DeMarcus Cousins

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how DeMarcus Cousins made an impact.

DeMarcus Cousins, nicknamed "Boogie", is an American professional basketball player currently playing for the Selenge Bodons in Mongolia. He played college basketball at Kentucky, earning All-American honors before being drafted fifth overall by the Sacramento Kings in 2010. Cousins was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team in his first season. He was a four-time NBA All-Star from 2015-2018. He also won two gold medals representing the United States national team: one at the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup and another at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2004: Previous Kings All-Stars

In 2004, Brad Miller and Peja Stojaković represented Sacramento in 2004.

2005: Last Triple-Double

In 2005, Chris Webber had the most recent triple-double

April 7, 2010: NBA Draft Entry

On April 7, 2010, DeMarcus Cousins announced that he would enter the 2010 NBA draft.

July 7, 2010: Signing with Sacramento Kings

On July 7, 2010, DeMarcus Cousins signed his rookie contract with the Sacramento Kings.

2010: All-American Honors and NBA Draft

In 2010, DeMarcus Cousins earned consensus second-team All-American honors while playing college basketball for the Kentucky Wildcats. He was later selected with the fifth overall pick in the 2010 NBA draft by the Sacramento Kings.

2010: NCAA Tournament Elite Eight

In 2010, led by DeMarcus Cousins and John Wall, the Kentucky Wildcats reached the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament.

February 8, 2012: Rising Stars Challenge Selection

On February 8, 2012, DeMarcus Cousins was selected to play in the Rising Stars Challenge.

September 30, 2013: Contract Extension with Kings

On September 30, 2013, DeMarcus Cousins signed a four-year, $62 million contract extension with the Sacramento Kings and announced a $1 million donation to the Sacramento community.

January 30, 2015: All-Star Selection

On January 30, 2015, DeMarcus Cousins was named to replace the injured Kobe Bryant as a Western Conference All-Star in the 2015 NBA All-Star Game.

April 1, 2015: Triple-Double Performance

On April 1, 2015, DeMarcus Cousins recorded a triple-double with 24 points, 21 rebounds, 10 assists, and 6 blocks in a loss to the Houston Rockets, becoming just the fourth player in NBA history to achieve 20+ points, 20+ rebounds, 10+ assists, and 5+ blocks in a single game.

October 28, 2015: Season Opener Performance

On October 28, 2015, DeMarcus Cousins recorded 32 points and 13 rebounds in a season opening loss to the Los Angeles Clippers.

2015: NBA All-Star

From 2015 to 2018, DeMarcus Cousins was named an NBA All-Star four times.

January 4, 2016: Win over Oklahoma City Thunder

On January 4, 2016, DeMarcus Cousins recorded 33 points and a season-high 19 rebounds in a win over the Oklahoma City Thunder.

2016: Double-Doubles Leader

In 2016, Cousins became the Kings' career double-doubles leader with 246, surpassing Chris Webber's 245.

January 18, 2017: Triple-Double vs Indiana Pacers

On January 18, 2017, DeMarcus Cousins recorded his fifth career triple-double with 25 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists in a loss to the Indiana Pacers.

February 3, 2017: Triple-Double vs Phoenix Suns

On February 3, 2017, DeMarcus Cousins recorded his sixth career triple-double with 22 points, 12 rebounds, and 12 assists in a loss to the Phoenix Suns.

February 20, 2017: Trade to New Orleans Pelicans

On February 20, 2017, DeMarcus Cousins was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans.

March 3, 2017: Season-High Rebounds

On March 3, 2017, DeMarcus Cousins had 19 points and a season-high 23 rebounds in a loss to the San Antonio Spurs, tying the Pelicans' franchise record.

March 21, 2017: Most Prolific Game as a Pelican

On March 21, 2017, DeMarcus Cousins had his most prolific performance as a Pelican, recording 41 points and 17 rebounds in a win over the Memphis Grizzlies.

October 26, 2017: Game against the Kings

On October 26, 2017, Cousins recorded 41 points and 23 rebounds in a 114–106 win over the Kings in Sacramento.

November 3, 2017: Win over Dallas Mavericks

On November 3, 2017, Cousins had 20 points, 22 rebounds and seven assists in a 99–94 win over the Dallas Mavericks, tying his career high with 20 defensive rebounds.

December 2, 2017: Win over Portland Trail Blazers

On December 2, 2017, Cousins scored 38 points in a 123–116 win over the Portland Trail Blazers.

December 29, 2017: Loss to Dallas Mavericks

On December 29, 2017, Cousins had 32 points and 20 rebounds in a 128–120 loss to the Dallas Mavericks.

January 22, 2018: 44 points, 24 rebounds and 10 assists vs. Bulls

On January 22, 2018, DeMarcus Cousins recorded 44 points, 24 rebounds, and 10 assists in a double-overtime victory against the Chicago Bulls, marking a historic performance not seen since Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in 1972.

January 26, 2018: Achilles tendon injury

On January 26, 2018, DeMarcus Cousins suffered a torn left Achilles tendon in the final seconds of the Pelicans' win against the Houston Rockets, which ended his season.

July 6, 2018: Signed with Golden State Warriors

On July 6, 2018, DeMarcus Cousins signed a one-year deal with the Golden State Warriors for $5.3 million, accepting their mid-level exception after considering offers from other teams.

December 10, 2018: Assigned to Santa Cruz Warriors

On December 10, 2018, DeMarcus Cousins was assigned to the Santa Cruz Warriors, Golden State's G League affiliate, for his first full-contact practice since his Achilles injury.

2018: NBA All-Star

From 2015 to 2018, DeMarcus Cousins was named an NBA All-Star four times.

January 18, 2019: Warriors debut

On January 18, 2019, DeMarcus Cousins debuted for the Warriors, scoring 14 points in a win against the Los Angeles Clippers.

February 23, 2020: Waived by Lakers

On February 23, 2020, DeMarcus Cousins was waived by the Los Angeles Lakers to allow them to sign Markieff Morris, after Cousins suffered an ACL injury and never played a game for them.