DeMarcus Cousins hopes to be a member of the U.S. Men’s Basketball team when the Rio Olympics kick off in early August. Before he can participate on the international stage in South America, however, he’s set to undergo some minor medical procedures on his feet, per James Ham of CSN Bay Area.
That he needs work done on his feet should surprise nobody who has watched him struggle to get up and down the court this year. He suffered an Achilles strain early in the season and has rolled his ankles more than a few times, missing 11 games in total.
Despite his painful maladies, Cousins still wants to play for Team USA this summer, provided his procedures go according to plan.
“I have been preparing,” Cousins said when asked about Team USA following Friday’s win over the Phoenix Suns. “I have some decisions to make before the end of the season. I’ve got to get some procedures done on my body — on my feet, we’ll see.
“I’ve been playing with tendinitis in my feet all season,” Cousins told a small gathering of reporters. “That’s why you see me walking up and down funny. Hopefully this procedure goes well and I can start preparing for Team USA.”
With the Kings on the outside looking in on the playoffs (seven games behind No. 8 seed Dallas Mavericks with 11 games left to play), Cousins can now start to prepare for the Summer Games in earnest. He will have four months from the end of the season until the beginning of the Rio Olympics to get himself ready.
The 2015-16 season has been one filled with frustration and conflict in Sacramento, with Cousins and head coach George Karl as the key combatants. However, despite his injuries and despite his broken relationship with the head coach, the center has performed at an exceptionally high level, averaging 27.1 points (career high), 11.6 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game.
Given the lack of top talent at the center position (both in the United States and abroad), it seems likely Cousins will get the nod to play for Team USA this summer in Rio. Hopefully for his sake the procedures go well and he is able to show off his considerable game during the Olympics.