DeMarcus Cousins On MVP: 'It's Mine To Grab'
The Sacramento Kings may not have made the playoffs since 2006, but they have had a potential MVP candidate since they drafted DeMarcus Cousins out of Kentucky in 2010. Apparently, he thinks so too.
Cousins recently spoke to Bleacher Report's Kevin Ding about his upcoming season and his expectations. The topic of the MVP award being a reachable achievement came up and Cousins had no problem sharing his thoughts:
"Reachable, man?" Cousins told Bleacher Report, his voice rising high. "It's mine to grab."
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"It's going to take a full team effort," Cousins said. "I'll try to play at a high level and bring my team along with me."
New teammate Rajon Rondo floated the same idea during Kings media day, telling reporters: "Not to put any pressure on him, but I expect nothing less but MVP."
Those are some big words coming from the big man. Is it possible? Sure it is. He has improved his numbers every season and now that he has a respectable team around him, along with a Hall of Fame coach. If they make the playoffs, Cousins will have a legit shot at the award.
There are a few other players he will have to leapfrog before he is considered however. Stephen Curry could very well repeat this year. James Harden is still bitter about placing second last year. LeBron James is... well, LeBron James. Anthony Davis is another improving center in the West. Also, don't forget Kevin Durant coming back fully healed in a contract year in Oklahoma City.
Cousins has some work to do, but in his eyes, it's up for the taking. Why not him?