With 3:25 left in the first half of Dallas Mavericks’ 119-96 blowout win over the Sacramento Kings, Mavs guard OJ Mayo appeared to be the recipient of a closed-fist punch to the groin from DeMarcus Cousins. The two exchanged words and were both handed the standard NBA cop-out double-technical foul. When asked about the altercation after the game, Mayo summed up exactly how everyone in NBA circles feels about the inconsistent and frustrating young Kings center:
“Man, that guy has mental issues. He’s a talented player. He has an opportunity to be the face of the organization, but I don’t think he wants it.”
and
“Big maturity problem. Hopefully he’ll grow out of it and become great. He definitely has the talent.”
Mayo would know a thing or two about “mental issues” and maturity, dating back to his days as a prep phenom. But it appears he’s turned a corner under head coach Rick Carlisle, and found his place in the NBA. And who knows if he meant “mental issues” in a Paul-Rudd-in-Anchorman kind of tone, or is genuinely disappointed with Cousins. Other comments would seem to indicate the latter, though:
“I told him, ‘Man, play basketball. You’ve got a chance to be a good player, but when you do stuff like that, you’re like a garbage player. It’s not a sign of being great.'”
About John Ferensen