NBA Roundup: Kings reinstate suspended Cousins, Celtics' Wilcox out 3-4 weeks
The Sacramento Kings on Monday reinstated center DeMarcus Cousins. He had been suspended since Saturday after screaming at Kings coach Keith Smart during Friday's loss to the Los Angeles Clippers.
Cousins, 22, has had runs-ins with team management throughout his three years with the Kings, but told USA Today on Monday that he wants to stay in Sacramento. He admitted he "was wrong" and apologized to Smart and plans to meet with the rest of the team, as well.
The Kings have tried unsuccessfully to get Cousins to see a mental health counselor, according to USA Today.
"It's hard," forward Chuck Hayes said. "We've always got that one family member who always does their own thing ... and you don't always agree with their ways. But you still love them, and they're still family."
Guard John Salmons believes the team's situation with Cousins can get better.
"It's one of those love-conquers-all type of things," he said. "You've got to stay the course with him. He's still a teammate, still part of the family, and you've got to continue to support him ... (but) the organization has a right to do what they did."
It was the third time Cousins has been suspended by the team this season. He leads the Kings in scoring (16.6 points) and rebounds (9.5) per game.
---Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers said forward Chris Wilcox will be out three to four weeks with a sprained right thumb. As a result, Jarvis Varnado has been promoted from Sioux Falls of the NBA Developmental League to take Wilcox's spot on the roster.
Wilcox is averaging 4.7 points and 2.3 rebounds per game for Boston.
