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NBA Rumors: DeMarcus Cousins shut down for the season?

By Josh Criswell

Feb 25, 2015; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) reacts to a call during the fourth quarter of the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at Sleep Train Arena. The Sacramento Kings defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 102-90. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 25, 2015; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) reacts to a call during the fourth quarter of the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at Sleep Train Arena. The Sacramento Kings defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 102-90. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Sacramento Kings are looking into shutting down center DeMarcus Cousins in George Karl’s first big move as head coach.

At 26-47, the Sacramento Kings playoff hopes have been nonexistent for some time now, and new head coach George Karl is already making smart, long term plans for the organization.

Karl has been giving some thought to the idea of sidelining All-Star center DeMarcus Cousins for the remainder of the season. Cousins has been hindered by an array of ailments throughout the season, with a calf injury, thigh bruise and sore foot being the most recent issues.

"“We talked when he commented after one game that his body was beat up,” Karl said via ESPN. “I said, ‘Instead of thinking about shutting it down, let’s try to find some days that you can get your body rested.’ We might schedule a piece of our games and (rest Cousins) again.”"

The most crucial items for the Kings at this point in the season is their plans for the future, and that begins with protecting their best players. They made Cousins the face of the franchise when they took the chance on giving him a four-year, $62 million contract extension last season, despite countless glimpses of immaturity early in his career.

Karl will be keeping a watchful eye on Cousins’ health, but as of now he will not be shutting down the Kings anchor in the post for good. The reasoning behind this is partly because Karl needs to get a solid look at his new team before the offseason, being that he has only been their coach for a little over a month.

Another factor appears to simply be Cousins’ desire to be on the court in the midst of the best season of his career. He currently ranks fifth in the NBA in scoring and third in rebounding, with 24.1 points and 12.4 rebounds per game.

"“I think Cousins likes to play and I think he’s doing it because he wants to play at a higher efficiency,” Karl said. “It gives me an opportunity to experiment a little bit. At home, I’d like to go in and (let Cousins play) every game. But on the road, I might experiment a little bit more.”"

It makes absolutely no sense to risk aggravating these injuries and mortgaging the future of the franchise just to win a few meaningless games for a team firm in its spot in the Western Conference cellar.

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