The DeMarcus Cousins illness situation took another turn today in Sacramento. The 24-year-old center was admitted to a local hospital for treatment and rest from a viral infection, but has since been released.
“I think it was more precautionary,” coach Michael Malone told media members following practice. “By no mean, I’m not a doctor, I didn’t stay at a Holiday Inn last night, so I can’t really divulge that kind of stuff. But the fact that he tried to warm up and play I think speaks to his competitive nature.”
Cousins was active at shoot around yesterday, even taking part in some post up drills with rookie Eric Moreland. During pre-game last night, Cousins made his way to the floor and warmed up with assistant coach Corliss Williamson. Following that workout, we witnessed him come off the floor and express doubt that he would play to members of the coaching staff.
“He took a turn for the worse,” explained Malone. “A fever, headaches, so they just wanted to be safe.”
At around 6pm, a final determination was made that Cousins would not suit up against the Toronto Raptors and he was officially declared inactive.
According to the Kings, Cousins will miss Friday’s game against the Indiana Pacers and Saturday’s game against the Orlando Magic. The team hopes to have him back and at full-strength next week.
“When he gets back, we’ll be a better team for it,” Malone said. “But in the meantime, other guys have to step up and we have to collectively find a way to start defending and getting back to winning basketball games.”
Without DeMarcus Cousins, the Sacramento Kings have gone 0-14 during the Michael Malone era.
“As I told our guys after the game, we have enough players, enough talent, enough character in this locker room to step up and start winning some games,” Malone said. “A lot of people will be quick to say that we haven’t won without DeMarcus last year or this year, but I think it’s time for that to come to an end.”
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