DeMarcus Cousins has heard it all from the haters and critics since signing a one-year deal with the two-time defending champion Golden State Warriors and, quite frankly, he doesn't give a fuck what anybody has to say.
In a video released on twitter via Showtime Sports, the All-Star center was candid when speaking about his decision to join the NBA's powerhouse in Oakland. In the latest teaser for Showtime's "The Resurgence," which documents his return from a season-ending achilles injury and free agency choice, Cousins says, "I knew how it would be perceived by some ... I don’t give a fuck.”
He goes on to describe signing with the Warriors as his "nuclear bomb" and a "last resort" rather than signing with a bad team for more than the $5.3M he'll receive next year with Golden State.
"There's some shit out there that's ripping their hair out, and I love it. It's just another test for me to overcome. ... I'm a fighter, I never give up and I'm taking this challenge head on."
“This is my ace of spade, this was my nuclear bomb, my last resort,” Cousins said. “Yeah, I could have probably got a contract -- a decent contract -- from a bad team. But how does that help me?"
“I’m already fighting a career-ending injury,” Cousins added. “I’m not gonna put myself in an already-bad situation and try to prove my value or my worth as a player in a situation that’s not looking to win.”
The soon-to-be 28-year old center was in line to sign a five-year $150 million contract extension with the New Orleans Pelicans, but the deal never materialized. Cousins says he never received an offer from the Pelicans, who finished sixth in the Western Conference and swept the Portland Trail Blazers in the first round of the NBA Playoffs.
"I understand. They had a big year," Cousins said in a somewhat sarcastic tone, according to NBA.com. "They don't want to ruin it taking a chance on me. I'm a damaged player. Cool."
The Warriors are scheduled to officially introduce their latest All-Star at a press conference today.