DeMarcus Cousins suffers a torn ACL

Former Golden State Warriors center DeMarcus Cousins has been dealt another tragic injury setback. According to a report from Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium, Cousins - who signed with the Los Angeles Lakers this offseason - tore his ACL while working out in Las Vegas.

The news is incredibly tough to see, especially considering that Cousins only recently recovered from a torn Achilles. He’s now suffered arguably the two worst injuries in basketball less than two years apart - with a quad injury thrown in there as well.

Injuries have now fully derailed Cousins’ career. He tore his Achilles in January of 2018, cutting his age-27 season short. It cost him most of his age-28 season, as the four-time All-Star played in just 30 games for the Warriors this year. And now the ACL injury will likely cost him his entire age-29 season.

Long story short, leg injuries have gutted the prime years of an elite player. And with two severe injuries, there’s no guarantee that Cousins will recover as a good player, or even return to the league.

Boogie’s unfortunate injuries are also a sobering reminder of how quickly money can disappear for NBA players. As a member of the Sacramento Kings, Cousins was all set to cash in on a contract in excess of $220 million. He was then traded to the New Orleans Pelicans, who, because of the CBA, would only have been able to offer him $170 million.

He tore his Achilles before getting to that contract, and settled for a one-year, $5.3 million deal with the Warriors last year, and a one-year, $3.5 million deal with the Lakers this summer. In all likelihood, if he receives a contract next summer, it will be non-guaranteed.

Basketball can be cruel. Here’s wishing a speedy and successful recovery to Cousins. Hopefully we see him back on the court someday soon.