5 Steps DeMarcus Cousins Can Take to Get to the Next Level

Skillful youth in the NBA is a desired commodity and DeMarcus Cousins shows flares of brilliance at the professional level. Cousins entered the league with an NBA ready body weighing 270 pounds at 6'11". Averaging close to 15 points and 10 rebounds per game at Kentucky was a sign of talent that the Sacramento Kings should develop and utilize as a center with career potential at the next level.

Cousins had a strong rookie year with 14 points and 8 rebounds through 81 games. Many points of emphasis for needed improvement flashed at the surface through several waves of the 2010-2011 Sacramento Kings season.

After watching Cousins through the majority of his rookie minutes, I recorded patterns of performance that outline steps for continued improvement and personal development. There are five points of attention that the Sacramento Kings need to identify to support the growth of DeMarcus Cousins.

Playing a Team Game

Many times during the 2010-2011 Sacramento Kings season Cousins hurt the team by looking for his own game first. Second chance points were hurt by Cousins being out of position looking for the ball. Cousins has the chance to score more by playing within the confines of a team system more often.

Rolling away from the basket on screen-and-roll situations left the defense to grab easy rebounds if the shot attempt was missed. Cousins should aid the decision of his coach when given minutes by creating opportunities instead of taking so many for himself. A talent like Cousins will find plenty of opportunities without working as a solo campaign.

Become a Shot Blocker and Paint Presence

The Sacramento Kings have a history of turning post players into face-up shooters. DeMarcus Cousins needs to command the paint on both ends of the floor and become a better shot blocking intimidating force.

Recording 65 blocks in 81 games is less than menacing. The Kings were driven on by many of the league's premier scorers and gave little threat once Samuel Dalembert was off the court. With question as to the return of Dalembert, Cousins needs to be the team shot block leader.

Take on Shooting Practice During the Lockout

DeMarcus Cousins is under contract through the 2011-2012 season. There is also a two-year team option through 2014. The proceedings of this lockout must not have a detrimental effect on his development.

Cousins should take the initiative to improve his jump shot. In his rookie season he averaged 43 percent shooting which is on the low side considering how many close range shots are in his repertoire. Since Cousins has shown the affinity for taking mid-range jumpers, it would be nice to see his proficiency develop.

 68 percent from the charity strip is not good enough. Cousins needs to play tough to draw fouls and capitalize on those opportunities.

Become the Key Big Man in Sacramento

One of the troubling aspects of DeMarcus Cousins and his rookie year was the lack of inside scoring. Cousins uses few post moves and rarely shoots while moving towards the basket.

The Sacramento Kings have been weak inside the key since the Vlade Divac era and have never been center focused as a squad. Cousins is the first viable rookie center to have the potential to change that.

DeMarcus should focus his energy entirely on the court in each playing moment. Using his strength and developing a quicker pivot and deceptive motion would drastically increase his utility on the floor as a scorer.

Cousins should be the third option for scoring and would be useful for kicking out the ball to Jimmer Fredette and wing players, as well as gathering assists. Becoming the keystone big man on the team would lead to developing a rounded game that can be a constant in the Kings frequently wavering offense.

Keeping Complaints Quiet, Attitude in Check, and Game Face on the Court

The attitude and emotional outbursts from DeMarcus Cousins have no place in any professional setting. Using frustration as a positive motivator against the opponent would be much more beneficial than the destructive 2010-2011 displays.

Cousins has all the potential a guy could ask for, along with the size to execute his potential. The rookie of the month award in July was a nod to the capabilities of this big man. Cousins has the skills to compete.

The emotional control and discipline that comes with maturity missing from the remainder of his college years is something he will need to find in himself. The Kings found a prize in this 5th overall pick but would be seen as failing if Cousins does not turn out to achieve on his talents and natural ability in the future.

DeMarcus Cousins is a talented player that will guide his own destiny through his career based on his actions and attitude.