The role of a head coach is crucial in developing a young player, especially for rookies entering the NBA. While head coaches won't necessarily babysit their players, they are responsible for creating an environment that fosters growth and development. However, for DeMarcus Cousins , his rookie year under coach Paul Westphal was anything but ideal.
Speaking on "Forgotten Seasons," the talented big man revealed how he felt his back was against the wall in his rookie season with Westphal's clear despise for him. Despite being selected fifth overall by the Sacramento Kings in the 2010 NBA Draft and pegged to be the franchise's next big thing, Boogie struggled to find his footing under King's HC rigid approach.
Never on the same page
To be fair, the former Kentucky Wildcat was hardly a saint in his NBA career. A surly mountain of a man who had issues with opposing players, teammates, and even the media, Cousins' reputation preceded him even before he stepped on the court.
However, regardless of his antics, his immense talent and potential were not denied. Unfortunately for Cousins, Westphal didn't see it that way. The coach and player clashed constantly, resulting in a tense atmosphere on and off the floor.
"Me and Paul Westphal were never on the same page from the start," the four-time All-Star bared .
Demarcus entered the league at age 20 and was excited to live out his childhood dreams. Unfortunately for the native of Mobile, Alabama, his welcome to the NBA hardly had a red carpet.
"It was confusing because I was so excited to be in the NBA. This was the start of a big dream for me. I was thinking, 'Man, I'm about to meet my coach; this is about to be dope,' but we just weren't on the same page. He hated the way I carried myself, the way I walked, he even hated the way I f*****g looked," the two-time All-NBA team member stated.
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Paul even had an issue with DMC's choice of music
Despite the toxic vibes in the locker room, Cousins played the role of a good soldier and did his best to prepare his mind and body for the daily grind of the pro game. One day, as he was in the weight room a few hours before practice, trying to lift weights, Westphal arrived and, much to DMC's surprise, turned off the music.
"Paul Westphal walked through in the middle of my lift. I was the only one in there, besides the trainer. He walked in, unplugged the music, and said, 'We don't allow that type of music here.' I was like, 'What?' He went on to say, 'My teams don't play that type of music, and I would prefer you play some classical music or something else.' I was just thinking, 'Yo, what the f**k?'" Boogie asserted.
It was a confusing time for the young Cousins, who endured such treatments but still managed to average 14.1 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game, earning a spot on the All-Rookie squad.
Fortunately for DeMarcus, the tension-filled chapter of his early years in the NBA ended when Westphal was replaced seven games into his second season by Keith Smart, paving the way for the skilled center to flourish and become an All-Star.
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