Which player do you think is hated by the referees the most? Well, for most of us, the answer would be Draymond Green. Whereas for the audience who have a good enough idea of the league’s picture over five years ago, the answer would be DeMarcus Cousins. Surprisingly, the two have been rivals as well as teammates in the past. While Cousins took a different turn playing overseas, Green may have just become the successor of his former teammate.

Cousins was not everyone’s favorite player. In fact, DeMarcus drew more attention from the referees than the fans. To put it in perspective, the 34-year-old received 143 technical fouls in his regular-season career. Draymond Green, too, shared similar statistics with Cousins. He wasn’t the kind of player that the referees would neglect. But the only difference between the two was the amount of success they had with their respective franchises. Green had multiple titles under his name, whereas Cousins was struggling.

As a result, Cousins was disappointed that his efforts weren’t as appreciated. Green went on to highlight the same while reminiscing Cousins’ words. “And what you said was, ‘Nah but ya’ll been winning. So they say yours is passion. I haven’t won much, so they say mine is an attitude and I can’t be coached and I’m crazy and this and that’. And I said all of that to say, I’m sorry. Because you was right. It was all of a sudden we ain’t winning, and now I’m crazy,” Green said in his The Draymond Green Show alongside Cousins.

Cousins had a funny answer saying, “Draymond, man, you America’s most wanted brother.” Now, DeMarcus put it all on the floor while playing for the Kings. His best stretch was from 2013-18 in which he made four All-Star appearances and made the All-NBA second time twice. Not only that, but his numbers speak for themselves. Cousins averaged 25.2 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 4 assists in the five year stretch.

When he came to New Orleans, things improved for the center, but not entirely. On the other hand, Green won three championships, won the DPOY, and made multiple All-Star appearances. Still, the narrative around the two players differed in more than one aspect. Yes, these two big men were aggressive on the court, but it was their passion that was reflected on the floor. And things did not take a turn even when Cousins joined the Warriors.

Draymond Green and DeMarcus Cousins had the chance to silence haters

It was the first time in 42 years that a team featured five All-Stars. Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Kevin Durant, Green, and Cousins. Initially, it seemed as if the Warriors would solidify their dynasty with a three-peat. But Cousins was coming off an ACL injury which put a few questions around the big man’s return. Well, DeMarcus Cousins returned for good, playing 30 games for the Dubs, and was one of the primary centers in the NBA Finals. Unfortunately, injuries got the best out of the Warriors, as they went on to lose to the Raptors.

Had they won their third straight title, Green and Cousins could’ve silenced critics and put an end to the narrative. At the end of the day, Green and Cousins could reflect on the similar recognition they received from both fans and officials. Nevertheless, Cousins had quite a time in China and Taiwan, dominating in overseas pro basketball. Draymond being Draymond will look forward to adjusting his offensive strategies along with Steph as the Warriors head into a new direction next season.

It will be interesting to see if Cousins ever decides to come out of retirement in the near future. What are your thoughts on Draymond Green and Cousins’ outlook back in the day? Do you think DeMarcus Cousins was an underrated center? Let us know in the comments.

Feel that you can do with another update from the sport of basketball? Then do check out this recent interview with the up-and-coming Georgia Lady Bulldogs star Asia Avinger.