DeMarcus Cousins says he’s feeling better after knee injury
By Sam Richmond
Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins had an injury scare after he and Anthony Davis of the New Orleans Pelicans both dove for a loose ball and Davis landed on him during a Team USA practice on Thursday.
While Cousins will miss Team USA’s scrimmage against Brazil on Saturday at the United Center, an MRI revealed the injury to not be serious.
Also good news for Cousins, Team USA and the Kings is that the big man says he’s starting to feel better, according to Nick Friedell of ESPN Chicago.
"“It’s better than (Thursday), so that’s a good sign,” Cousins said after Friday’s practice. “Just gradually trying to get through the pain. It’s going to be a process. As the days go on it should get better.”"
After Paul George bowed out of Team USA due to a gruesome leg injury and Kevin Durant recently withdrew as well due to cited physical and mental exhaustion, losing Cousins for an extended period of time would have been a sizable blow to coach Mike Krzyzewski’s squad. But it sounds like Cousins should be back soon.
The Kings center averaged 22.7 points (49.6 percent shooting from the floor), 11.7 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game this past season.
The FIBA World Cup is set to begin August 30 in Spain.