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We've seen the video for it. We've seen Shaquille O'Neal and even Lebron James endorse it. Now, two-time All-Star forward for the Portland Trail Blazers LaMarcus Aldridge has weighed in: DeMarcus Cousins is an All-Star caliber player.
"He's definitely playing at an All-Star level right now, he's leading his team ... he's been dominant every night so he's definitely playing on that level right now," Aldridge told Sactown Royalty after the Kings defeated the Blazers 123-119 Tuesday night. "He's good. A very solid big, you know, he can dribble, shoot and go to the basket, he definitely leads their team so he's a really good player."
Cousins finished the game with 35 points, 13 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 blocks and 1 steal. On the season, Cousins is averaging 23.5 points, 11.5 rebounds and 3 assists per game - all career highs.
While the Kings currently have an 11-22 record, his individual numbers don't lie: Cousins is currently fifth in the league in rebounds and sixth in scoring. The big fella does have his fair share of technicals (10 on the season so far), but he has figured out how to stay on the floor when the team needs him to be there, avoiding getting ejected or fouling out on a regular basis.
Head coach Michael Malone has no doubt that Cousins deserves to be an All-Star.
"I don't see one center in the entire NBA that does what DeMarcus Cousins does every night from scoring, facilitating, rebounding, getting to the foul line, making plays for his teammates," Malone told reporters on Tuesday. "I think what he does every night against some of the better teams and some of the better big men in the NBA warrants him to get a real, real honest look about being a first-time All-Star."
Boogie has some work to do based on the most recent results of NBA All-Star Balloting, which slotted him as 12th in the front court in the Western Conference. Pau Gasol, Dirk Nowitzki and Chandler Parsons are just some of the players currently ahead of him. Hmm. LaMarcus Aldridge is 6th.
For the various ways in which fans can vote, click here. Voting ends on Jan. 20 and the All-Star starters will be announced on Jan. 23.
