In the NBA, the road to success is paved with hurdles that seem insurmountable. But if you ask anyone, all the pain and sacrifice to get to the top is almost always worth it. For comebacking big man DeMarcus Cousins of the Houston Rockets, the path has been just as tough or arguably, even tougher.
He got emotional talking to Rockets Wire about his arduous journey after being sidelined by various injuries the last three seasons, including sitting out the entire past campaign due to a left ACL tear.
“To hell and back. I’d be lying if I didn’t tell you the task was tough, but now I think I’m built for it. I took it in stride. I just fought through. I willed my way through.”
The mercurial Cousins, who has had his share of emotional blowups in the past, also became more reflective during his recovery.
I learned a lot about myself, just life in general, even though it was a tough time in my life. I think I’ve grown in a lot of areas of my life. I know everybody’s story is different. This just happens to be mine. So, you know, I’m going to roll with the punches.”
Rehabilitation isn't new to the four-time All-Star. His most recent injury is already his third major setback in his nine seasons in the NBA. Last summer, he signed a one-year deal with Los Angeles Lakers but his torn ACL never gave him a chance to even suit up for the Purple & Gold and win his first championship.
Now, DeMarcus Cousins has another shot to redeem himself with the new-look Rockets, teaming up James Harden and his old Kentucky Wildcats buddy John Wall. More importantly, he feels he's completely ready once again.
“Man, I feel incredible. Obviously, it was a tough task mentally, physically, but at the same time I was able to rest my body, a much-needed rest. Coming back off of that has been incredible. My body is in a great place, my mind is in a great place, and I’m just ready to get back on the floor and play basketball, play the game I love.”
Don't count out Boogie just yet.
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