ya know, part of me is frustrated that demarcus continues to trot out this line. i've been among cousins' biggest fans since he was drafted by the kings in 2010. i don't want to see him traded, though i do think the kings have likely blown their chance to build a contender around him.
but more than any of that, i just want to slap the guy upside the head every time he says he wants to stay in sacramento. even as a lifelong kings fan, i have to ask myself, "why?!" i truly admire his loyalty, and it's so refreshing to see an nba superstar who doesn't chase the glitz or the endorsements or the superteams. but that loyalty is worthy of a franchise much better managed than this one. it's like the old adage: if you love something, set it free. i want so badly to see demarcus succeed on a winning team, and i just don't think it's going to happen with the kings.
man, i'd love to be a fly on the wall during conversations between big cuz and his agent:
demarcus, let me get you the hell out of sacramento. you're destined for bigger and better things. it's been six years, and this franchise has screwed the pooch at almost every turn. it's time to move on. i can get you to boston. i can get you to los angeles. i can get you to denver, where you can be reunited with mike malone. come on, it'll just take one phone call.
nah, i'm good. i'm happy with this team. i'm in a great place.
/agent pounds head against wall/