The NBA has lost some of the best talents due to injuries and personal setbacks. Yet, this center who played for the Denver Nuggets previously has now decided to leave the States to continue his career in basketball. Years after trying his best to get a role on an NBA team, it looks like the league has ultimately given up on him. From being a 4-time All-Star to quitting the NBA, the 33-year-old has now taken his talents to Puerto Rico which Stephen A Smith decided to speak about. And Shaquille O’Neal voiced his approval.

Showing his denial of one of the best big men back in the league, Smith shared some consoling words which the Lakers legend approved.?

Shaquille O’Neal agrees with Smith’s take on a 4-time All-Star leaving the NBA

The Denver Nuggets did not have their main players Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. in the 2021-22 season. Nikola Jokic, who sailed the boat alone, had hardly any help. However, he made it to the postseason alongside two big men – Aaron Gordon and DeMarcus Cousins.

While Gordon won a championship this year, Cousins has bid a possible farewell to the NBA.

The 33-year-old averaged nearly 10 points in just 14 minutes with a salary of $1,138,659 for the Nuggets. Ever since the Warriors defeated the Nuggets in the first round, DeMarcus struggled to find a new team after he got waived.?

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Boogie was a monster in his prime, averaging more than 25 points in his Sacramento and New Orleans days. Smith decided to show some sympathy to the center. In a podcast episode with NBA star Paul George, Smith shared, “I look at a guy like DeMarcus Cousins, I don’t like the way he is being treated.”

Then, in typical Smith fashion, he dropped a hot take. “He got game bro…DeMarcus Cousins right now would be a top 5 big man in basketball.“

Shaquille O’Neal who was on the same page, shared a video from the podcast on his Instagram story. When Shaq approves, then there are no lies detected!?

Stephen A Smith describes why Cousins is still a top five

The 55-year-old had some heavy praise for?Boogie. ?

He added, “With his skill set, his body, his strength, his basketball IQ, his shooting ability, everything, he would be a top 5 player.”?

Moreover, Smith made it clear,?“He does not deserve to be in Puerto Rico playing basketball. And I think that you got people in the league ostracizing him because of a personality he once had…We all make mistakes”.?

DeMarcus Cousins was indeed abrasive to a few people. However, Smith believes that shouldn’t be the reason why he is not in the NBA. What are your thoughts??

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