George Karl claps back at DeMarcus Cousins after he trashes Kings

Former Sacramento Kings Coach George Karl responded to comments DeMarcus Cousins made regarding his time with the team.

DeMarcus Cousins was interviewed by Andscape’s Marc J. Spears and he was asked if he could go back in his past and change anything, what would that be. Cousins’ response: “I would’ve skipped my draft workout [in Sacramento].”

"What did Sac do for me? Besides say my name [draft day]. I did more for them than they did for me. That’s just being honest. Just being 100% honest. I had two owners, three GMs, seven coaches in seven years. I was there seven years. I had three GMs, two owners and seven coaches. Not much more needs to be said."

His comments regarding his time in Sacramento got back to Karl, and he responded with this tweet.

Cousins was drafted by the Kings as the fifth overall pick in the 2010 draft. He spent seven seasons with the team before being traded to the New Orleans Pelicans in 2017. Cousins’ time with the Kings was a rollercoaster. He received several suspensions and was often labeled as difficult by the staff.

George Karl and DeMarcus Cousins’ did not have the best relationship 

Karl took over as head coach for the Kings during the 2014-15 season. He made headlines when he said “no player is untradeable” referencing Cousins. Karl believes this is what caused problems between them, as per the Sacramento Bee.

"“I never felt I got into a good place with Cuz,” said Karl. “Some of that was my stupidity when I said that no player is untradeable."

Cousins and Karl would often get into disagreements. One incident occurred post-game, following the Kings’ loss to the San Antonio Spurs. Cousins used profanity toward Karl, and instead of being suspended, he was fined, according to ESPN. Karl felt that this incident proved that Cousins had all the power. Karl was fired from the Kings in 2016.

Based on Karl’s tweet, it seems like the two still have not made amends.