DeMarcus Cousins Decides To Trade Anthony Davis While Making His Choice For 'Start-Bench-Trade'

DeMarcus Cousins recently appeared on the 'Knuckleheads' podcast, where he faced the challenging task of choosing between three NBA legends—Kevin Garnett, Dwight Howard, and Anthony Davis—for a game of 'Start-Bench-Trade.' Known for his candid opinions, Cousins didn't shy away from making a decision that might spark some debate among fans and analysts alike as he chose to trade his former teammate Davis.

"I know how I'm going to go with this: I'm going to start KG, bench Dwight, and trade AD. No knock to nobody. I know I'll get some heat for this, but it's not a knock on nobody." (1:42:00)

Cousins' decision to start Kevin Garnett reflects the immense respect he has for the former MVP and 15-time All-Star. Garnett's combination of defensive prowess, scoring ability, and leadership qualities make him a formidable choice for the starting position. Known for his intensity and versatility, KG's career achievements, including an NBA championship and Defensive Player of the Year award, solidify his place in Cousins' lineup.

Benching Dwight Howard , another dominant big man, highlights Cousins' appreciation for Howard's prime years, particularly during his tenure with the Orlando Magic. Howard was a three-time Defensive Player of the Year and an eight-time All-Star, known for his shot-blocking, rebounding, and athleticism. Despite a tumultuous later career, Howard's peak performance still earns him a spot on the bench in Cousins' eyes.

The most surprising decision, however, is Cousins' choice to trade Anthony Davis . Given that Cousins and Davis were teammates on the New Orleans Pelicans , this might come as a shock to some. Davis, a perennial All-Star and an NBA champion with the Los Angeles Lakers , is widely regarded as one of the most talented big men in the league today. His ability to score from inside and outside, along with his defensive capabilities, makes him an invaluable asset to any team.

While his choices may spark debate, Cousins' insights provide an interesting perspective on how he values the different skill sets and career achievements of these legendary NBA big men.

DeMarcus Cousins Gives Rajon Rondo Credit For Unlocking His Full Potential

DeMarcus Cousins recently shared on the 'Knuckleheads' podcast that Rajon Rondo played a pivotal role in his breakout 2015-16 season. During that career year, Cousins achieved an average of 26.9 points, 11.5 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.4 blocks per game. He attributes much of this success to Rondo's influence and mentorship.

Cousins was selected by the Sacramento Kings as the fifth overall pick in the 2010 NBA Draft. Over the years, he developed into one of the league's premier big men, but it was the 2015-16 season that marked his most significant individual achievement. During this time, Rondo joined the Kings on a one-year deal after being traded from the Boston Celtics to the Dallas Mavericks.

"Shout out to 'Do.' Honestly, it was Rondo, bro, he put that battery in my back, he put things into perspective for me, he helped me understand the game more, he slowed the game down for me."

"I started paying more attention to details, just everything kind of slowed down, and that was just that Rondo effect for me. That's still my guy to this day; he still coached me, and I love that about him." (1:10:10)

Rondo's presence on the court extended beyond his impressive statistics. While he led the NBA in assists that season, averaging 11.7 per game, it was his leadership and guidance that profoundly impacted Cousins. The chemistry between the two former Kentucky Wildcats was evident, with Rondo's playmaking abilities complementing Cousins' scoring prowess.

Despite Rondo's departure to the Chicago Bulls after their season together, Cousins continued to excel, maintaining his dominance on the court. However, his time with the Kings ended abruptly when he was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans during the 2017 All-Star weekend, a move that caught him completely off guard.

Interestingly, Rondo later joined Cousins in New Orleans, where they, alongside Anthony Davis, led the Pelicans to a 48-34 record and a second-round playoff appearance. Their partnership demonstrated the enduring impact Rondo had on Cousins' career, both on and off the court.

Cousins ' acknowledgment of Rondo's influence highlights the significance of mentorship and leadership in sports, showing how a seasoned veteran can help unlock the full potential of a talented player.

Related: DeMarcus Cousins Creates Ultimate Starting 5 Of His Former Teammates

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