As Summer League closes, Cousins shows flashes of potential and struggles

Leila Navidi

DeMarcus Cousins of the Sacramento Kings disputes a call during a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves during NBA Summer League play at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas Wednesday, July 14, 2010.

By Ryan Greene

Monday, July 19, 2010 | 2:05 a.m.

Leila Navidi

DeMarcus Cousins of the Sacramento Kings battles against Greg Stiemsma of the Minnesota Timberwolves during their NBA Summer League game at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas Wednesday, July 14, 2010.

Four games into the Sacramento Kings' six-game NBA Summer League schedule, coach Mario Elie was losing his voice.

Such is life when coaching a high-risk, high-reward prospect such as forward DeMarcus Cousins, who the franchise selected fourth overall in last month's NBA draft.

The 6-foot-11, 270-pound truck of a 19-year-old averaged 14.5 points and 9.8 rebounds per game during his week in Las Vegas, but also showed the full range of everything that preceded him to the pro ranks.

The ability to grab rebounds with ease and score from almost anywhere on the floor showed best when he put up 22 points and 12 rebounds in a 79-78 victory over Minnesota on Wednesday, including a game-winning bucket.

The whispers of his immaturity and at times poor body language came through just two days later in an 88-82 loss to Toronto. He was 0-for-10 from the floor in the first half, and committed his 10th and final foul late in the game after finally finding a groove and pulling the Kings to within one point in the closing minutes at 76-75.

"That's who he is — He's coming to the league with that attitude," Elie said. "You've got to play with a little chip on your shoulder.

"He's got to learn how to play through it and how to play smart."

Cousins' Kentucky teammate from last season — top overall pick John Wall — grabbed much of the public eye during the 2010 Summer League, but Cousins was by far the most intriguing rookie in attendance.

His 33.3 percent shooting was well below average for a top-flight NBA big man, but it's hardly a red flag against Cousins' through-the-roof potential.

Sacramento suited up one of the league's smallest front lines a year ago, and with Cousins on the board when it was the Kings' turn last month in New York City, it was impossible to pass on him.

He could be the franchise center to play the Robin to the Batman role filled by the NBA's reigning Rookie of the Year — point guard Tyreke Evans.

But now come the growing pains.

"You don't expect him in three days of Summer League play to pick it up," Elie said. "It's a complex game at this level, you have a lot of responsibilities and a lot of jobs when you're a big man."

One soon-to-be teammate who can attest to the change of pace is third-year power forward Jason Thompson, who two summers ago took his bumps and bruises as a fresh-faced rookie in Las Vegas.

Thompson, who averaged 12.5 points and 8.5 boards a game this season with the Kings, took in this week's action in street clothes from the end of the team's bench.

He, too, agrees that while it might be frustrating to watch now, Cousins will be better for the early lumps.

"Things are going to be frustrating at times," he said. "With time and games under your belt, it becomes easier."