Atlanta Hawks: Signing Boogie Cousins Would Be Horrendous
4. Behavioral Concerns
Aside from the concerns about how DeMarcus Cousins would fit the Atlanta Hawks on the court, are concerns about him in the locker room. The Atlanta Hawks are loaded with talented young players, that are still learning the NBA.
Boogie Cousins has a long list of attitude or behavioral issues since joining the NBA. He clashed with coaches such as George Karl, Paul Westphal, Keith Smart, Mike Malone and Ty Corbin in Sacramento.
Kentucky head coach John Calipari quickly spouted off the name DeMarcus Cousins, when asked who was the most difficult to coach, of the many stars that have come through his programs. Boogie also once fought teammate Donte Green in the locker room.
Cousins has also clashed with NBA officials and even Team USA Basketball leadership. He once went after Spurs commentator Sean Elliott following a game. Boogie has also confronted fans for talking trash to him. He has been accused of dirty play on the court and often displayed the demeanor of a bully.
In fairness to DeMarcus Cousins, by all accounts he was a model player last season. He was even credited for helping to calm the famous argument, between his teammates Kevin Durant and Draymond Greene last season.
I certainly do believe that people can change. There is a chance that Boogie Cousins has matured and learned from his mistakes. Maybe the days of temperamental outburst are over. We all come to a point of maturity in life.
However the possibility that Cousins is not over his issues completely, must be considered. The fact that he was on a veteran laden Golden State team, that was expected to win a championship must be looked at.
Can we be sure that Cousins would behave the same on a young team, with a young coach, that is fighting for its playoff life? If the season goes south, would Boogie maintain his poise?
Even if DeMarcus Cousins is able to maintain his composure, he is an extreme alpha personality. He will be extremely vocal and take the lead in the locker room. In my opinion, Boogie Cousins is not the right veteran mentor for this young Hawks squad.