DeMarcus Cousins will play in the NBA for the first time this season on Friday, but the Golden State Warriors center knows not everyone is looking forward to his return.
Cousins, coming off a torn Achilles, told ESPN the Warriors are “the most hated team in sports.”
Cousins’ decision to join the Warriors this summer on just a one-year, $5.3 million deal was controversial when it happened — fueling a “rich-get-richer” narrative around a franchise that has won the NBA title three of the last four seasons.
“I don’t really pay attention to storylines,” Cousins said. “I mean, they’re gonna say what they have to say. They’re gonna add their opinions. We’re the most hated team in sports.”
Once viewed as one of the league’s best centers, Cousins took a one-year deal after teams were hesitant to give him a large, multi-year contract in the wake of his injury. Cousins then joined the Warriors in hopes to restore his value.
Critics viewed that move as “unfair,” given the team already has four All-Stars in Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green.
Last season, Cousins averaged 25.2 points, 12.9 rebounds and 5.4 assists per game in 48 games with the New Orleans Pelicans.
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
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