SUMMARY
- DeMarcus Cousins was crowned Finals MVP after leading the Taiwan Beer Leopards to a title.
- Dwight Howard congratulated the ex-NBA star on winning the T1 League Championship.
DeMarcus Cousins was one of the players who helped pave the way for modern-day centers. He was extremely versatile on the floor, he could defend at a high level and score efficiently. Cousins’ ability to handle the ball as a seven-footer was incredible. He genuinely worked his way to the top before injuries became a crippling reason why he couldn’t play as much.
Not too long ago, Cousins addressed why he decided not to play in the NBA anymore. He said, “I’ll never accept the label that I can’t play the game anymore. I know what I can do when I get on the floor. I had to come to peace with it when it came to my family and my situation at home.” Being an NBA player was never easy for the former Sacramento Kings player. It required him to stay away from his family for long periods, which became quite distressing over time.
Dwight Howard shares some support for DeMarcus Cousins
But DeMarcus Cousins never gave up on his dreams of achieving titles and individual accolades while plastering his name all over greatness in various ways. In January 2024, he signed a short-term contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards of the T1 League. Impressively, Cousins managed to lead his team to the finals, win the title and a Finals MVP award as well.
Boogie just won a 💍 in Taiwan ! Stop playing with us we got Global Influence!
— Dwight Howard (@DwightHoward) June 1, 2024
Fellow T1 League player and ex-NBA peer Dwight Howard also shared a few kind words towards Cousins on X. He said, “Boogie just won a [ring] in Taiwan! Stop playing with us we got Global Influence!” Cousins averaged 24 points, 14.1 rebounds, 3.8 rebounds, 1.8 steals, and 1.6 blocks per game in 14 appearances with the Beer Leopards. Just like Cousins, Dwight also earned multiple accolades with T1.
Fans are in disbelief that DeMarcus Cousins isn’t in the NBA
One of DeMarcus Cousins’ best performances had him tally 31 points and 24 rebounds on June 1. On May 10, Cousins recorded a monstrous 48-point performance alongside 18 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals. However, winning a title overseas has only led fans to question why the 4x All-Star isn’t in the NBA today.
There’s no way cousins shouldn’t be in the league
— s (@trillsamsonite) June 2, 2024
Congrats, get em rings
— MintSniper (@mintsniper) June 1, 2024
One fan said, “There’s no way cousins shouldn’t be in the league.” Another fan added, “Congrats, get em rings.” Cousins and Howard both still have the potential to play in the NBA for a few more seasons. Either way, they’ve also helped pave the way for NBA stars to play overseas. This has also impacted the amount of recognition small market leagues have received recently.