DeMarcus Cousins Retires From NBA

DeMarcus Cousins told Cyro Asseo de Choch of HoopsHype that he has retired from the NBA. 

Cousins last played in the NBA during the 2021-22 season. 

“Honestly, no. I know I’ve had my time there. You know, there was a point where I was trying to make that happen. But the place I’m in my life now, just with everything I’ve got going on, just outside of basketball, like I’m in a good place,” Cousins said. “So, like I said, I’m excited for what I have ahead and my future.

“You know, my 12 years in the league were a small chapter or chapters in my life. And, I’m ready to move on to the next and see what’s in store for me.”

Cousins played in the T1 League for the Taiwan Beer Leopards. The Alabama native enjoyed his time in Taiwan and is looking forward to going back. 

“You know, I’m blessed to be in the position to have basketball take me all over the world, meet different people, and experience different cultures,” Cousins said. “So, that’s one of the better things that comes with this sport. On top of that, you get to meet people who have the same love and passion that you do for the sport.

“So, you know, with that being said, my time in Taiwan was incredible. I met some really, really nice and genuine people, and that’s a rare thing given the times we live in now. So just to be able to meet genuinely nice people with good intentions, that’s a really dope thing. And I actually cherish that because it is rare in today’s time.”

Cousins played in 654 NBA games with the Sacramento Kings, New Orleans Pelicans, Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Clippers, Milwaukee Bucks and Denver Nuggets. He averaged 19.6 points, 10.2 rebounds and 3.0 assists. 

Cousins made four All-Star teams and two All-NBA teams.