7. DeMarcus Cousins
Cousins' situation regarding this list here is very similar to that of Jimmy Butler's: outstanding player, sub-par team. Indeed, the center's 27.80 PER checks in at fourth in the league, and he ranks seventh in VA and EWA as well. DeMarcus' 29.0 points per game are the third-highest in basketball (just behind Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook), and his 10.2 rebounds, 1.4 steals and 1.4 blocks per game aren't too shabby either as "Boogie" evolves into not just an elite offensive force, but an elite defensive force as well.
The most interesting addition to Cousins' game, however, is his three-point shooting. It is beyond rare to find someone who is seven feet tall and drops 30-and-10 games on a consistent basis that also connects on 1.8 threes per game at a very efficient 38% clip. This amazing newfound inside-out game makes DeMarcus one of the most difficult players to guard in basketball, no matter the defender.
However, the fact remains that his Sacramento Kings are headed for another forgettable season at 14-19 (0.424). Until Boogie can snap his team's decade-long playoff drought, he'll have a very hard time working his way up any list like this -- which is unfortunate, because it's just simply not his fault at this point.
Cousins' situation regarding this list here is very similar to that of Jimmy Butler's: outstanding player, sub-par team. Indeed, the center's 27.80 PER checks in at fourth in the league, and he ranks seventh in VA and EWA as well. DeMarcus' 29.0 points per game are the third-highest in basketball (just behind Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook), and his 10.2 rebounds, 1.4 steals and 1.4 blocks per game aren't too shabby either as "Boogie" evolves into not just an elite offensive force, but an elite defensive force as well.
The most interesting addition to Cousins' game, however, is his three-point shooting. It is beyond rare to find someone who is seven feet tall and drops 30-and-10 games on a consistent basis that also connects on 1.8 threes per game at a very efficient 38% clip. This amazing newfound inside-out game makes DeMarcus one of the most difficult players to guard in basketball, no matter the defender.
However, the fact remains that his Sacramento Kings are headed for another forgettable season at 14-19 (0.424). Until Boogie can snap his team's decade-long playoff drought, he'll have a very hard time working his way up any list like this -- which is unfortunate, because it's just simply not his fault at this point.