DeMarcus Cousins of the Sacramento Kings might have his emotional issues, but there's no denying his talent. Cousins has been on a double-double tear the last few weeks and is averaging around 16-11 early through the 2012 season.
Charles Barkley faced similar attitude issues throughout his NBA career, yet still churned out All-Star appearance year after year after year. That might be part of the reason why Barkley (who along with Shaquille O'Neal were in charge of picking the teams for the Rookie-Sophomore game) took Cousins with his second pick overall and the fourth overall pick in the draft. Cousins will be reunited with his college teammate from Kentucky in John Wall on Team Charles, and Barkley's team is filed with plenty of great role players and solid contributors, none of them being too flashy.
Take a look at Team Charles.
DeMarcus Cousins, Sacramento Kings; John Wall, Washington Wizards; Kyrie Irving, Cleveland Cavaliers; Derrick Williams, Minnesota Timberwolves; Paul George, Indiana Pacers; Tiago Splitter, San Antonio Spurs; Kawhi Leonard, San Antonio Spurs; Evan Turner, Philadelphia 76ers; Gordon Hayward, Utah Jazz; Marshon Brooks, New Jersey Nets
On paper, Team Shaq looks like the more exciting looking squad.
Blake Griffin, Los Angeles Clippers; Jeremy Lin, New York Knicks; Ricky Rubio, Minnesota Timberwolves; Greg Monroe, Detroit Pistons; Markieff Morris, Phoenix Suns; Kemba Walker, Charlotte Bobcats; Norris Cole, Miami Heat; Landry Fields, New York Knicks; Tristan Thompson, Cleveland Cavaliers; Brandon Knight, Detroit Pistons
To talk about Cousins and the Kings, head on over to Sactown Royalty.