History of DeMarcus Cousins in Timeline
DeMarcus Cousins, nicknamed "Boogie", is an American professional basketball player. He gained recognition playing college basketball for the Kentucky Wildcats and was drafted fifth overall in the 2010 NBA draft by the Sacramento Kings. Cousins achieved significant success in the NBA, earning accolades such as NBA All-Star selections and a spot on the All-Rookie First Team. He also represented the United States national team, winning two gold medals at the FIBA World Cup and the Olympics.
1972: Historic NBA Feat
In 1972, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar achieved a remarkable feat in NBA history, one that would later be matched by DeMarcus Cousins in 2018, highlighting their exceptional skills and impact on the game.
August 13, 1990: Birth of DeMarcus Cousins
DeMarcus Amir Cousins was born on August 13, 1990.
2004: Last Kings All-Star Selection
The last time a Sacramento Kings player was selected as an NBA All-Star before DeMarcus Cousins in 2015 was in 2004, with Brad Miller and Peja Stojaković.
2005: Back-to-Back Triple Doubles
DeMarcus Cousins became the first Kings player since Chris Webber in 2005 to record back-to-back triple-doubles in April 2015.
February 28, 2008: Commitment to UAB
On February 28, 2008, DeMarcus Cousins initially committed to play college basketball at Alabama-Birmingham but did not sign a letter of intent.
March 9, 2009: Commitment to Memphis
DeMarcus Cousins committed to play basketball at the University of Memphis on March 9, 2009, but later reopened his recruitment.
April 7, 2009: Commitment to Kentucky
DeMarcus Cousins chose to follow coach John Calipari to the University of Kentucky on April 7, 2009.
2009: High School Achievements
In 2009, DeMarcus Cousins was named a first-team Parade All-American and played in the McDonald's All-American Boys Game, the Nike Hoop Summit, and the Jordan Brand Classic.
April 7, 2010: Declaration for NBA Draft
DeMarcus Cousins announced his decision to enter the 2010 NBA draft on April 7, 2010.
July 7, 2010: Signing with the Sacramento Kings
DeMarcus Cousins signed his rookie contract with the Sacramento Kings on July 7, 2010.
2010: Kentucky Wildcats Success
DeMarcus Cousins, alongside John Wall, led the Kentucky Wildcats to the Elite Eight of the 2010 NCAA Tournament.
2010: Statistical Feat
In 2010, Cousins replicated a statistical feat accomplished by Kevin Love during the 2010-11 season, showcasing his ability to consistently achieve high points and rebounds in games.
2010: College Basketball and NBA Draft
In 2010, DeMarcus Cousins played college basketball for the Kentucky Wildcats and was named an All-American. He was then drafted by the Sacramento Kings as the fifth overall pick in the NBA draft.
January 1, 2012: Dismissal from Kings Game
DeMarcus Cousins was sent home from a game against the New Orleans Hornets on January 1, 2012, by coach Paul Westphal due to his behavior.
January 5, 2012: Firing of Paul Westphal
Paul Westphal was fired as head coach of the Sacramento Kings on January 5, 2012, potentially influenced by his difficult relationship with DeMarcus Cousins.
February 8, 2012: Rising Stars Challenge Selection
DeMarcus Cousins was selected to play in the Rising Stars Challenge on February 8, 2012.
November 11, 2012: Suspension for Confrontation
The NBA suspended DeMarcus Cousins for two games on November 11, 2012, after he confronted San Antonio Spurs commentator Sean Elliott following criticism of his on-court behavior.
December 22, 2012: Suspension from the Kings
DeMarcus Cousins was suspended indefinitely by the Kings on December 22, 2012, for unprofessional behavior.
December 24, 2012: Reinstatement to the Kings
Two days after his suspension, DeMarcus Cousins was reinstated by the Kings on December 24, 2012.
September 30, 2013: Contract Extension and Donation
DeMarcus Cousins signed a four-year contract extension with the Kings worth $62 million and pledged to donate $1 million of his salary to families and the community in Sacramento.
February 26, 2014: Suspension for Punching Patrick Beverley
DeMarcus Cousins received a one-game suspension for punching Patrick Beverley during a game on February 26, 2014.
March 2014: Apology to Sean Elliott
DeMarcus Cousins apologized to Sean Elliott in person in March 2014 for his previous confrontation.
December 7, 2014: Viral Meningitis Diagnosis
DeMarcus Cousins was diagnosed with viral meningitis and sidelined for ten games starting on December 7, 2014.
2014: Cousins Wins FIBA World Cup Gold with Team USA
DeMarcus Cousins was part of the United States national team that won the gold medal at the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup.
2014: FIBA Basketball World Cup Gold Medal
DeMarcus Cousins won his first gold medal with the United States national team at the FIBA Basketball World Cup in 2014.
January 30, 2015: Replacement Selection for NBA All-Star Game
DeMarcus Cousins was selected as a replacement for Kobe Bryant in the 2015 NBA All-Star Game, marking the first Kings All-Star selection since 2004.
April 1, 2015: Second Career Triple-Double
DeMarcus Cousins recorded his second career triple-double with an impressive stat line, including 24 points, 21 rebounds, 10 assists, 6 blocks, and 3 steals, on April 1, 2015, against the Houston Rockets.
October 28, 2015: Season Opener Against the Los Angeles Clippers
On October 28, 2015, Cousins started the season with a loss against the Los Angeles Clippers, despite scoring 32 points and 13 rebounds, including an impressive 4 out of 5 three-pointers.
2015: First NBA All-Star Selection
DeMarcus Cousins was selected to his first NBA All-Star game in 2015.
2015: Player of the Week Award
In 2015, Cousins was recognized for his skills and leadership by receiving the Player of the Week award three times throughout his career.
January 4, 2016: Dominating Performance Against Oklahoma City Thunder
Cousins showcased a powerful performance on January 4, 2016, achieving 33 points and a season-high of 19 rebounds in a victory against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
2016: Suspension and Fine
In 2016, Cousins faced disciplinary action, receiving a one-game suspension without pay and a $25,000 fine for his 16th technical foul and inappropriate conduct following a win against the Golden State Warriors.
2016: Cousins Wins Olympic Gold with Team USA
In 2016, DeMarcus Cousins won his second gold medal with the United States national team at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
2016: Olympic Gold Medal
DeMarcus Cousins won his second gold medal with the United States national team at the Rio Olympics in 2016.
January 18, 2017: Fifth Career Triple-Double
On January 18, 2017, Cousins achieved his fifth career triple-double, with an impressive performance of 25 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists, despite a loss to the Indiana Pacers.
January 30, 2017: Western Conference Player of the Week
Cousins received the Western Conference Player of the Week award on January 30, 2017, acknowledging his outstanding performance in games played between January 23rd and January 29th.
February 3, 2017: Sixth Career Triple-Double
On February 3, 2017, Cousins recorded his sixth career triple-double with 22 points, 12 rebounds, and 12 assists, although the Pelicans fell short against the Phoenix Suns.
February 20, 2017: Trade to the New Orleans Pelicans
On February 20, 2017, Cousins was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans along with Omri Casspi, with the Sacramento Kings receiving Tyreke Evans, Buddy Hield, Langston Galloway, and draft picks in return.
March 3, 2017: Near Victory Against the San Antonio Spurs
Cousins demonstrated his prowess on March 3, 2017, recording 19 points and a season-high of 23 rebounds, tying the Pelicans' franchise record, despite a close overtime loss against the San Antonio Spurs.
March 21, 2017: Dominant Performance Against the Memphis Grizzlies
Cousins delivered a standout performance on March 21, 2017, achieving a remarkable 41 points and 17 rebounds, leading the Pelicans to a decisive victory against the Memphis Grizzlies.
October 26, 2017: Triumphant Return to Sacramento
On October 26, 2017, Cousins made a triumphant return to Sacramento, delivering a stellar performance with 41 points and 23 rebounds, leading the Pelicans to a victory against his former team, the Kings.
November 3, 2017: Domination Against the Dallas Mavericks
Cousins demonstrated his dominance against the Dallas Mavericks on November 3, 2017, achieving 20 points, 22 rebounds, and 7 assists, tying his career-high with 20 defensive rebounds.
December 2, 2017: Victory Against the Portland Trail Blazers
Cousins led the Pelicans to victory on December 2, 2017, with an impressive 38-point performance against the Portland Trail Blazers.
December 29, 2017: Strong Performance Against the Dallas Mavericks
On December 29, 2017, Cousins delivered a strong performance against the Dallas Mavericks with 32 points and 20 rebounds, marking his third game of the season with at least 30 points and 20 rebounds – a feat unmatched since Kevin Love in the 2010-11 season.
January 22, 2018: Historic Performance Against the Chicago Bulls
Cousins etched his name in NBA history on January 22, 2018, becoming the first player since Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in 1972 to record at least 40 points, 20 rebounds, and 10 assists in a game, achieving this feat during a double-overtime victory against the Chicago Bulls.
January 26, 2018: Achilles Injury
On January 26, 2018, Cousins' season was cut short due to a torn left Achilles tendon injury sustained during the final seconds of a win against the Houston Rockets.
July 6, 2018: Signing with the Golden State Warriors
On July 6, 2018, Cousins signed a one-year, $5.3 million contract with the Golden State Warriors, joining a star-studded roster after not receiving any significant offers from other teams.
December 10, 2018: Assignment to the G League
As Cousins neared his return to basketball following his Achilles injury, he was assigned to the Golden State Warriors' G League affiliate, the Santa Cruz Warriors, on December 10, 2018, for full-contact practice and game readiness.
2018: Final NBA All-Star Selection
DeMarcus Cousins was selected to his fourth and final NBA All-Star game in 2018.
January 18, 2019: Return to the NBA
Cousins marked his return to the NBA on January 18, 2019, after recovering from his Achilles injury, contributing 14 points for the Warriors in a win against the Los Angeles Clippers before fouling out.
August 2019: Domestic Violence Allegations Against Cousins Surface
In August 2019, DeMarcus Cousins faced allegations of domestic violence after an audio recording surfaced of him threatening his ex-girlfriend. Although an arrest warrant was issued, the charges were later dropped in November.
August 24, 2019: Cousins Marries Morgan Lang
DeMarcus Cousins married his longtime girlfriend, Morgan Lang, on August 24, 2019, in Atlanta.
2019: Cousins Signs with Lakers, Reunites with Davis
In 2019, DeMarcus Cousins signed a one-year contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, reuniting with his former New Orleans Pelicans teammate, Anthony Davis.
February 23, 2020: Los Angeles Lakers Waive Cousins
On February 23, 2020, the Los Angeles Lakers waived DeMarcus Cousins after he suffered a torn ACL during the offseason. Despite not playing a single game for the Lakers, Cousins received a championship ring after the team won the NBA Finals.
December 1, 2020: Cousins Joins Houston Rockets
On December 1, 2020, DeMarcus Cousins signed a one-year contract with the Houston Rockets.
February 23, 2021: Rockets Waive Cousins
DeMarcus Cousins was waived by the Houston Rockets on February 23, 2021, after playing 25 games with the team.
April 5, 2021: Cousins Signs with Los Angeles Clippers
On April 5, 2021, DeMarcus Cousins signed a 10-day contract with the Los Angeles Clippers, which was later extended for the remainder of the season.
November 30, 2021: Cousins Signs with Milwaukee Bucks
DeMarcus Cousins joined the Milwaukee Bucks on November 30, 2021.
January 6, 2022: Bucks Waive Cousins
On January 6, 2022, DeMarcus Cousins was waived by the Milwaukee Bucks after playing 17 games for the team.
January 21, 2022: Cousins Reunites with Coach Malone in Denver
DeMarcus Cousins signed a 10-day contract with the Denver Nuggets on January 21, 2022, reuniting with his former coach, Michael Malone. This contract was later extended for the remainder of the season.
January 13, 2023: Lakers Host Cousins for Workout
The Los Angeles Lakers hosted DeMarcus Cousins for a workout on January 13, 2023.
April 2023: Cousins Joins Guaynabo Mets in Puerto Rico
In April 2023, DeMarcus Cousins signed with the Guaynabo Mets in Puerto Rico's Baloncesto Superior Nacional league.
December 18, 2023: Cousins Signs with Taiwan Beer Leopards
DeMarcus Cousins signed with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in Taiwan's T1 League on December 18, 2023.
2023: Cousins Wins T1 League Most Popular Player
DeMarcus Cousins was awarded the T1 League Most Popular Player of the Year for the 2023–24 season.
January 2024: Cousins to Debut with Taiwan Beer Leopards
DeMarcus Cousins was scheduled to debut with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in January 2024 for a series of four home games.
February 23, 2024: Cousins Announces End of NBA Comeback Attempt
On February 23, 2024, DeMarcus Cousins announced that he was done pursuing an NBA comeback, stating his desire to move on to the next chapter of his life.
June 19, 2024: Cousins Joins Taiwan Mustangs
DeMarcus Cousins joined the Taiwan Mustangs of The Asian Tournament (TAT) on June 19, 2024.