For most of his career, DeMarcus Cousins was one of the most dominant big men in the league. But he was also one of the most misunderstood. He had the skill, the numbers, and the presence to match any star of his era. Yet the image people saw on the court never told the whole story. Those who watched from the stands or on TV often failed to see beyond the scowl, the technical fouls, and the constant confrontations with referees.

What they didn’t see was the quiet man who kept his circle small and his personal life locked away from the spotlight.

From a young age in Mobile, Alabama, Cousins learned to rely on himself. Growing up with five siblings and a single mother, he quickly understood that not everyone around him had the best intentions. Former Kentucky assistant Orlando Antigua once said “there’s a wall there. He keeps only certain people inside, people he can trust who are not going to hurt him”. That protective shell stayed with him even when he became an NBA star. And while the tattoos, size, and raw emotion painted a certain picture for fans, the reality was more layered. Something Cousins recently addressed in a way he rarely has before.

In a recent appearance on the Straight Game Podcast, Cousins made a revealing confession about how he handled his public image early in his career. “One thing that I do regret about early in my career is not being more open and showcasing who I was as a person. I was always a private person. I always had trust issues… When I went to work, I went to work. When I was off work… I was more of a homebody type of person. That’s how I protected myself”, he said. Cousins admitted that his passion and emotional style of play sometimes overshadowed who he was off the court. “That was my gift and my curse… who I am at work isn’t who I am every single day”.

That confession lines up with what’s been said about him for years. His career stats back up the fact that his passion translated into production. During his prime, Cousins averaged over 25 points and 12 rebounds a game. Numbers matched by only a handful of players in history. But the fiery reactions, often caught on camera, made him an easy target for criticism. Off the floor, he wasn’t chasing headlines or drama.

As ESPN once noted, his cautious approach even extended to media. He was known to thoroughly vet reporters before agreeing to interviews. He wasn’t a recluse. But rather just someone who had learned, early and painfully, that trust had to be earned.

Cousins’ openness now shows a player who’s comfortable with the split between his basketball persona and his real life. He’s no longer concerned with reshaping how people see his career. Instead, focusing on what comes next. And yet, the way things ended for him in the NBA still leaves plenty of questions hanging.

Which brings us to another side of the story- one that sheds light on why Cousins may never have gotten that comeback shot many believed he deserved.

Why Cousins never got another shot

According to Hall of Famer Nancy Lieberman, the reasons went far beyond injuries or skill level. Speaking on the “3s and Ones” podcast, Lieberman claimed “two times in the locker room, he tried to beat up George Karl. And that’s why he’s not given a chance ’cause that coaches’ circle, it is no joke”. Lieberman worked alongside Karl during the Kings’ turbulent 2015-16 season and saw the strained relationship up close.

That year, Cousins still put up All-Star numbers. 26.9 points and 11.5 rebounds. But the Kings stumbled to a 33-49 record, missing the playoffs for the 10th straight year. Karl was nearly fired midseason after a public clash with his star player and was eventually let go after the year ended. Cousins was traded the following season. But, the ripple effect of that locker room tension may have been far bigger than anyone realized at the time.

Even after recovering from serious injuries, Cousins never got another full chance. By his own admission in 2023, he was left confused, saying “I can never really get the raw, honest truth. I would love to get a real answer”. If Lieberman’s account is accurate, that answer may have come indirectly. And it wasn’t about basketball at all. Whether fair or not, the unwritten rules of the NBA’s behind-the-scenes politics can be just as decisive as anything that happens on the court.