Jason Jones of the Sacramento Bee reports:
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One exhibition game into his NBA career, Cousins justified the excitement.
The Kings’ first-round pick had 16 points and 16 rebounds in a 109-95 win over the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday night at Arco.
“I thought DeMarcus gave us everything we’re looking for in the post on both ends of the floor,” Kings coach Paul Westphal said after the exhibition opener for both teams. “He showed why we think so highly of him. And if he ever gets in shape, he’ll really be able to do a lot.”
Cousins’ conditioning was criticized before the Kings drafted him fifth overall in June.
Cousins averaged just 23.5 minutes in his lone season at Kentucky. He played 29 minutes, 47 seconds against the Suns.
Cousins made 8 of 13 shots. Five of his rebounds were offensive rebounds.
