The first sign toward reconciliation between DeMarcus Cousins and the Sacramento Kings appears to be at hand. After a shocking statement released by Kings head coach Paul Westphal seemed to indicate that Cousins could be at the end of the line in his tenure in Sacramento, Cousins rejoined the team and was on the flight with the Kings to Memphis for their game with the Grizzlies.
Nevertheless, this issue appears like it's far from resolved. Jason Jones of the Sacramento Bee reports that Cousins denies he ever asked for a trade.
Cousins, in a statement, denied asking to be traded: "I want to address my missing the New Orleans game Sunday. I have not demanded or requested a trade. I don't agree with the actions taken but will give my sincere effort to put it behind me and compete the best I can for my team."
Westphal said Cousins would dress for tonight's game against the Memphis Grizzlies but he would not start.
Jones did not say whether Cousins will play or not. Being dressed seems to indicate he'll come off the bench and Sacramento will go with Chuck Hayes starting at center while J.J. Hickson or Jason Thompson starts at power forward. Cousins is a pretty potent weapon to bring off the bench, so it's not like the team becomes worse with him not starting, but the Kings will have to adjust as a team and Cousins will have to adjust to new surroundings. This will hopefully be part of the maturation process for the second-year big man.
To discuss Cousins and the Kings, head to Sactown Royalty.