DeMarcus Cousins: The Side To The All-Star You Don’t See

When one thinks of New Orleans Pelicans Center DeMarcus Cousins three things tend to come to mind; size, athleticism and untapped talent. Cousins is one of the best big-men the game has to offer. However, Boogie’s best qualities are not just relegated to the hardwood. By night, he’s an athletic freak who wreaks havoc on the Basketball court. By day, a man that keeps on giving.

According to NOLA.com’s William Guillory, on January 27th DeMarcus Cousins will be holding his second annual “Boogie’s Comedy Slam.” Cousins, along with acclaimed comedians such as Tony Roberts, DC Young and Robert Powell will be at the Saenger Theater performing to the public for a night of laughs. All proceeds will be given to local charities and non-profit organizations.

"“When I’m not at the gym, I’m pretty much a home body, always watching comedy shows and stand-up specials”-DeMarcus Cousins in regards to his “funny bone”"

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Last year, Cousins held the event in Sacramento. It garnered a great turnout, with approximately 4,000 people in attendance. However, this is not the only way Cousins gives back to the local communities.

Throughout his career Cousins has been remarkably generous in regards to his charity work. For the past seven holiday seasons Boogie has brought a group 100-children from non-profit organizations such as Youth Empowerment Project, Children’s Bureau, Boys Hope Girls Hope, and Boys Town to Target for a shopping spree. Here he gives each child a $200 gift card and two tickets to an upcoming game. He calls this yearly function “Santa Cuz.”

"“Holidays are a special time for kids and it’s kind of a stereotypical thing for kids to kind of expect gifts,” Cousins told NOLA.com. “Every family is not fortunate enough to do that, so i just try to play my part to help some of these families and help some of these kids enjoy their holidays a little more. I enjoy seeing the smiles on kids faces.”"

On December 6th, the leagues favorite “bully” received the NBA Cares Community Assist Award presented by Kaiser Permanente. The award recognizes an NBA player for his exceptional work and its impact from the end of the regular season to the start of the following season.

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According to lasentinel.net, “Kaiser Permanente and the NBA are honoring Cousins for his work to help those most in need in the communities that have impacted his life and NBA career, while inspiring fellow NBA players to join his efforts. In his hometown of Mobile, Ala., Cousins donated funds to build an outdoor basketball facility at Figures Park. He also hosted basketball camps for more than 300 youth in Sacramento and Birmingham, Ala. Cousins worked with VSP Global to provide free eye exams for all attendees in Sacramento, and he donated backpacks and school supplies in Birmingham.”

"“Giving back to those in need is something that has always been a big part of my life.”-DeMarcus Cousins"

Cousins has also been noted for donating an admirable amount of his yearly salary to less fortunate families residing in local communities; One million dollars to be exact. Throughout his career the big-man has given back to the world in big ways and does not look to be curbing his generosity any time soon.

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This season has been one of Cousins’ best yet. With season averages of 26.2 PPG, 12.2 RPG, 5.1 APG, 1.5 SPG and 1.5 BPG Boogie is making a strong case for his enormous worth in a contract year. However, even with these impressive numbers and statistics, perhaps his best performances are found off the hardwood.

Statistics provided by ‘Basketballreference.com’ Information in regards to DeMarcus Cousins’ charity work and community contributions provided by ‘NOLA.com’ and ‘lasentinel.com‘