The drama surrounding DeMarcus Cousins and George Karl continues to go from bad to worse as the Sacramento Kings try to finish the year on a high note. Cousins returned to the court on Sunday following a one-game suspension for conduct detrimental to the team. After posting cryptic messages on his social media account about the issue, Cousins was quick to blame head coach George Karl for the suspension.
The Kings' announced Cousins' one-game suspension after he was seen yelling at Karl during a team huddle in a loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. This was just one of the many disagreements the two have had since Karl was hired as the head coach of the Kings. Cousins was asked about the suspension following the game against the Utah Jazz and the center said that Karl opted to suspend him, not the organization.
"That was no suspension from the organization. That was one from the head coach. There's a difference," Cousins said. "There's been so much extra stuff this season. Extra, unnecessary stuff. There are a lot of battles between guys that should be on your side. I would say that this [loss] is one of the most frustrating ones."
Many assumptions could be made from Cousins' comments. He and Karl have not exactly been each other's biggest fans. The Kings have faced plenty of rumors since the head coach was hired that either Karl or Cousins would have to go at some point. The two are clearly struggling to co-exist within the organization and the suspension is just another bullet point on a long list of issues. Karl was quick to defend his dealing with Cousins, saying he has done nothing but be professional in going about his job.
"In general I think, professionally, I've done my job," Karl said. "There will be an opportunity to talk with Cousins. We've exchanged pleasantries, but nothing in depth. I am not going to communicate how we evolve in this. The best thing for everybody, for Cousins, for me, the team, is to get a win."
The Kings are in the midst of an ugly stretch of their season. The team is on a five-game losing streak while having dropped nine of its past 10 games. This was not how Sacramento saw the year going as it sits in the No. 11 spot in the Western Conference, 7.5 games out of the last playoff spot. Cousins told the media that the locker room is frustrated and changes have to be made. Without taking a clear shot at Karl, he made it clear there is a lack of order in the organization.
"I know for a fact there's a lot of frustration in this locker room," Cousins said. "...It's a lot of chaos, a lot of chaos. Usually it's just a frustration about coming out and winning games. But so much extra stuff this season, extra unnecessary stuff. It's a lot of stuff within, a lot of battles, including guys who should be on your side. It's probably one of the most frustrating ones."
The Kings will be forced to deal with this drama in the offseason. Trade rumors will circle Cousins once again. Karl will face questions about job security. Until Sacramento can properly deal with this, the issues will continue.
