In the final couple of seasons with the Sacramento Kings, it was nothing short than a tumultuous period for All-Star center DeMarcus Cousins.

This all led to the organization finally parting ways with Cousins prior to the trade deadline this past February. It doesn't create the least bit of surprise that the 26-year-old is hoping to play his former team in the season opener.

During his 6 1/2 year tenure with the Kings, it was clouded with dysfunction throughout the organization. This led to the strong stigma being built around the team that has contributed greatly to its more than a decade long absence from the playoffs.

What makes matters more interesting is how the Kings handled the trading of Cousins. He had been informed by management before the trade that he was not going to be moved. Then a few days later he was sent to the Pelicans less than an hour after the All-Star Game.

This pushed Cousins to state publicly that the organization had treated him quite poorly by using the comparison of cattle to extenuate that point. Despite all that, Cousins had not pushed to be traded from the Kings as he had developed a strong personal bond with the city and surrounding communities. It was a move that clearly had plenty of emotional ties for him well beyond the court.

Regardless if it's the season opener for New Orleans, there will be a huge national spotlight on the game centered on Cousins playing against the team where he once felt was like his home in the NBA.