DeMarcus Cousins Finds Second Wind In Puerto Rico

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DENVER, CO - APRIL 05: DeMarcus Cousins #4 of the Denver Nuggets reacts against the San Antonio Spurs during the second quarter at Ball Arena on April 5, 2022 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by C. Morgan Engel/Getty Images)
The reports of Boogie's dominance have been somewhat exaggerated.

DeMarcus Cousins last played in the NBA in 2022. Across the 2021-22 season, Cousins played in 48 games in stints with the Bucks and Nuggets. However, the 32-year-old center was unable to find a team ahead of the 2022-23 season and began the new basketball year without a job.

Instead, Boogie took his talents to Puerto Rico's Baloncesto Superior Nacional. Joining partway through the 2023 season, people are starting to take notice of his play in the league. Highlight reels showing dominant play from the journeyman have gotten people wondering if the NBA is missing out on Cousins' talent. Despite this, Cousins' actual stats telling a slightly dimmer, but in still impressive, story.

Is Boogie Actually Dominating In Puerto Rico?

Despite the impressive video reels, is Boogie actually a god in the Puerto Rican league? In short - not really. At 12 games played this season, he barely qualifies for statistical acknowledgment. His 21.0 points per game is good enough for sixth in the league. NBA journeyman Brandon Knight currently leads the league with an average of 24.2 points across 25 games. Boogie fares a little better in terms of rebounds, with his 10.2 per game good enough for fourth in the league. However, that statistical category is led by two-NBA blocks leader Hassan Whiteside with an average of 14 rebounds across 25 games. Furthermore, Cousins is second in average turnovers, at 3.4 per game. Additionally, while Cousins' team, Mets de Guaynabo, is on a five-game winning streak, they are still only fourth in the league standings.

So no, Boogie has not become a god amongst mortals in the Puerto Rican league. Granted, he is putting together a very impressive season but not league-leading. Furthermore, looking at an NBA comparison this season puts Boogie's (12-game) stat line on par with a slightly worse shooting Julius Randle (25.1 ppg, 10.0 rpg, 4.1 apg). Randle, while a solid contributor, was by no means an MVP candidate this year. Another comparison, and one at Cousins' position, would be Domantas Sabonis (19.1 ppg, 12.3 rpg, 7.3 apg). So, unfortunately, while Boogie's Puerto Rico highlights are impressive, his actual stats take a little bit of the shine off the situation. Follow all the latest sports news here at HotNewHipHop.

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About The Author
Ben Mock
Benjamin Mock (they/them) is a sports and culture writer working out of Philadelphia. Previously writing for the likes of Fixture, Dexerto, Fragster, and Jaxon, Ben has dedicated themselves to engaging and accessible articles about sports, esports, and internet culture. With a love for the weirder stories, you never quite know what to expect from their work.
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