I don't often promote the work of outside entities writing about out-of-market teams, but this ESPN.com piece about DeMarcus Cousins and the Kings is just so good that it needs to be shared.
The essential question is a very good one: is Cousins the problem in Sacramento, or is Sacramento's management the problem.
About 9,000 words later (really), I think you'll arrive at a solid conclusion of "they're both the problem," but along the way you'll get so many anecdotes and behind-the-scenes stories about not only one of the most talented, intriguing and mercurial players in the league but also what appears to be one of the most dysfunctional organizations in all of pro sports.
Cousins emerges as a somewhat sympathetic figure but also one who engages in arguments the way my 2-year-old often does. ("Take a deep breath." … "No YOU take a deep breath." This is verbatim from both the story and my life).
Another great quote along the way:
From an unnamed Kings source (there is a lot of unnamed sourcing in this piece, not surprising since there is not typically an official road map to where the bodies are buried) in reference to the awful relationship between former Kings coach George Karl and Cousins: "In a way, they deserved each other. Unfortunately the rest of us didn't."
A great anecdote: Kings GM Vlade Divac drives a Tesla with autopilot function and considered taking a nap when driving down the highway until deciding not to.
If that isn't a metaphor for the Kings, I don't know what is.
