DeMarcus Cousins isn’t perfect, but neither are you!

Being a star athlete is quite difficult. In today’s age of social media, no one is safe from criticism. The star athlete is expecteed to perform at a high level every night while being a role model off the floor. Carrying the hopes and dreams of millions of fans, the star athlete isn’t allowed many mulligans. Overreactions come and go, and the human aspect is almost downright invisible. Every so often, however, an athlete comes around that hardens reality. They wear their flaws like badges of honor; realizing that superheroes mainly exist in movies and comic books. DeMarcus Cousins is a walking, breathing, example of this athlete.

The expectations given to the average star athlete isn’t often given to an “everyday person”. The mistakes are magnified and the successes are expected. And when the two types are parallel, at least the everyday person can enjoy a sense of privacy. Imagine if everything you did was dissected and commented on. Imagine if your lifestyle was judged, and even your most intimate details were exposed daily. Your salary was known, and millions of people were waiting to pounce at any negative reaction you had to offer.

It’s such a weird dynamic, people forget how much it hurts being misjudged or misunderstood. Especially in a world where literally everyone is imperfect and makes a mistake. Just not “everyone” has the pressures of an entire world having access to those pitfalls.

So how does someone like DeMarcus Cousins survive?

Now listen, Cousins is no angel by any means. He’s fairly stubborn and will let his emotions win in various circumstances. The same goes for his immaturity that can be seen everytime he believes he’s fouled.  Cousins’ frustrations are at times warranted, but he is 4th in the NBA in free throws attempted per game. It’s not like he’s being handled criminally when it comes to the free throw line.

Cousins is also no stranger to a flop or two himself.

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And, let’s be honest, giantism is a thing in sports. In the NFL players like Cam Newton and Ben Roethlisberger aren’t going to receive common penalties. In the NBA there’s an argument LeBron James is fouled every drive he takes. Just like the battles, NBA great Shaquille O’Neal had to face in his day. The problem to Cousins isn’t normally what’s taken place, as much as his feeling of being misunderstood or prejudged.

When understanding DeMarcus Cousins you have to understand the pros and cons of certain character traits. Almost every player you can think of who plays with a sense of rage has a downside. That rage leaves them unafraid of any opposition. The downside is that playing with rage leaves a person vulnerable to emotional instability.

You can’t cheer one and not recognize or expect the other. We love passionate players, but that same passion can play a role in emotional outbursts or reactions. The same thing that drives Boogie’s stubbornness against an opponent can lead to stubborn basketball decisions. It’s impossible to welcome one side without the other.

Cousins’ circumstances are equivalent to what Pelicans fans should remember about Tyreke Evans. The self-confidence that provided tough finishes, can provide a plethora of harsh turnovers or shots. Yet, when it’s all over, some fans even attempt to think the Pelicans are better without Cousins. The fact that even a single fan allows that thought any attention is ridiculous.

Meanwhile, Cousins finished with his second 40 point 20 rebound game this season on Wednesday. Since 1963-64 only nine players have recorded multiple career 40 points 20 rebound games.  Cousins is also the first player since 1989-90 to accomplish that feat twice in the same season.

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If that doesn’t scream how rare Cousins is, then nothing ever will. Overall it’s probably not safe to assume guys like Cousins grow on trees. Cousins currently plays with one of the 40 point 20 rebound unicorns in Anthony Davis. Davis has missed his expected share of games so far. During that time span Cousins has led the team to wins against current playoff hopefuls Portland and Denver. The Pelicans also won Cousins’ return to Sacramento without AD.

Both losses without AD came against Portland earlier in the season and Golden State. It can be argued both were games NOLA should have won the way they performed. This goes back to the expectations and ridiculousness of some fans. It’s highly unlikely the Pelicans are even competitive in those games without the Boogie-Man himself. Critics will say that Cousins lacks accountability, and can play frustrating tunnel vision basketball.

There are also times that he doesn’t. Where he takes responsibility for turnovers or makes the extra pass. It’s no secret that Boogie isn’t always pleasant to watch. But what person is? Is it fair for all to judge any athlete when humans make daily mistakes that go unnoticed and unaccounted for? Sure doesn’t sound fair in the grand scheme of things.

His story in Sacramento was a mixed bag, some his fault, some out of his hands. But no matter how you slice it, an unorganized, losing organization does zero favors to an athlete. Just think of how different his narrative would be if he had been drafted by San Antonio.

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New Orleans is posing DeMarcus Cousins’ first threat at being more than just a stat-sheet stuffer. Cousins’ MVP chase is one of the most underrated stories of this young season. As the ride continues, they’ll be more bumps and hurdles. Instead of looking at Cousins in portions it’s time to take a widespread view. That perspective should bring more understanding and nothing less than great appreciation.

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Everyone has flaws, right?