NBA Team Facing Decision After Request From DeMarcus Cousins

For a good portion of the 2010s, DeMarcus Cousins was one of the best big men in the league. At his peak, he was one of the most skilled offensive centers the league had seen in recent history. Though he split time during his 11-year NBA career with multiple teams, most would say he was best known as a member of the Sacramento Kings.

The Kings drafted the Kentucky alum with the fifth overall pick in 2010. In parts of seven seasons with the team, Cousins was a three-time All-Star and a two-time All-NBA Second Team selection.

Though he has not suited up for Sacramento in eight years, Cousins remains one of the team's best players in recent history. Because of this, the 34-year-old believes the Kings should retire his jersey number (h/t the Straight Game Podcast).

"Obviously, it would be an honor. That was something that I definitely wanted and strived for as far as why I tried to go out and perform every single night," Cousins said about the Kings potentially retiring his jersey number. "Accolade-wise, I feel like I did all the right things while I was in that jersey … As far as All-Stars, as far as All-NBA selections, numbers, gold medals. I put my work in. I think I earned my stripes...I think I did what needed to be done to join the others up in the rafters.”

DeMarcus Cousins’ Case for Jersey Retirement

There is no denying that Cousins was a crucial part of the Kings' roster during his tenure with the team. Additionally, he has most of the accolades to back it up and was the best center in the league while with the team. Furthermore, there are some players whose jersey numbers are retired by the Kings who arguably deserve the honor less than Cousins. For these reasons alone, it would make sense for Sacramento to retire his jersey number.

On the flip side, the Kings were regularly one of the worst teams in the NBA with Cousins as their star, failing to make the postseason every year. This is not because of the Alabama native himself, but it still may be difficult for the team to put a spotlight on one of their most disappointing eras in franchise history.

Overall, there is a fair case for Cousins to get his jersey number retired by Sacramento. He was fantastic in his peak, and he had a very unique game in his specific era. Whether it will happen remains to be seen, but it would not be a shock if the former All-Star big man receives this honor down the line.