The Sacramento Kings have played really well lately, as they have won five of their last seven to bring their record to 12-17. However, they have still been a bit of a disappointment overall. Star player DeMarcus Cousins has big numbers again this year, but believe it or not, he has been part of the problem this season, as he is shooting a career low percentage from the field. Cousins has tried to extend his range this season, but it hasn't quite worked out as he hoped, so he might start to move his game closer to the basket, according to Jason Jones of The Sacramento Bee.
Through 21 games, Cousins is averaging 24.5 points and 10.8 rebounds per game, and with those enormous numbers, you would think there is no reason to complain. However, he has been compiling those numbers inefficiently. Cousins has always had the mid-range jump shot as part of his game, and he is good from there. But this year, he decided to extend his range to beyond the three point line, and he has kind of fallen in love with it.
Cousins has already attempted 78 threes this season, which is 56 more than he has ever attempted in a full season. That comes out to 3.9 three point attempts per game, which is far too many for someone who is as gifted and big as he is. Cousins is only making 31 percent of his three pointers so far this season, so it is not like he is knocking them down with consistency. However, he has continued to fire away in abundance.
Head coach George Karl said that Cousins tends to feel out the game by shooting threes in the first quarter, and he seems to be right, as Cousins is attempting almost half of his threes this season in the first. This is something that is going to need to change for the big man, as he is not that good from the three point line and it is hurting his overall efficiency, as his field goal percentage this season is at a career low 42 percent.
It is good that Cousins wants to expand his game and add to his repertoire, but the fact that he is relying so heavily upon the three is the issue. It is one thing to take a wide open three pointer every now and then, but for a guy who could be so dominant in the paint to live out there is nonsense and Karl knows it. Look for Cousins to start shooting less threes as the season progresses, as it is not only hurting his numbers, but it is also hurting the team.
