Former NBA stalwart DeMarcus Cousins is embarking on a new chapter in his basketball journey by signing a contract with Taiwan Beer Leopards. The team officially confirmed the deal through a social media announcement, revealing Cousins’ anticipated arrival in mid-January.
As reported by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Cousins’ agreement entails a 10-day, four-game commitment with the Leopards. The specifics regarding the potential extension of his contract beyond these initial four games remain uncertain.
Johnny Chang, the team’s CEO, expressed confidence in Cousins’ diverse skill set and its potential to infuse a fresh dynamic into the Leopards’ chemistry. Before joining the Taiwan Beer Leopards, Cousins competed for the Guaynabo Mets in the Puerto Rican Professional Basketball League. His last NBA appearance dates back to his tenure with the Denver Nuggets during the 2021-22 season, where he contributed an average of 8.9 points and 5.5 rebounds across 31 games.
Despite his absence from the NBA, the 33-year-old has persistently pursued a return to the league. Expressing a desire for an opportunity to demonstrate his progress, Cousins even pitched himself as a prospect for the Sacramento Kings. Despite his efforts, including a workout with the Los Angeles Lakers last season, a return to the NBA has eluded him.
DeMarcus Cousins, a four-time NBA All-Star, began his professional journey after being drafted as the fifth overall pick by the Sacramento Kings in the 2010 draft. He spent six seasons with the Kings before embarking on a journey through several teams including the New Orleans Pelicans, Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Clippers, Milwaukee Bucks, and the Nuggets. His career has been challenged by various knee injuries, including missing the entire 2019-20 campaign due to an ACL injury. Throughout his illustrious career, Cousins has maintained impressive averages of 19.6 points and 10.2 rebounds.
The Taiwan Beer Leopards have a history of attracting former NBA luminaries, with Dwight Howard being their most recent acquisition. Howard notably delivered remarkable performances, averaging 23.2 points and securing a league-high 16.2 rebounds per game in the previous season.
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