DeMarcus Cousins says he's trying to watch his on-court behavior, but he thinks his past reputation is haunting him.
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The Pelicans center told TheUndefeated.com that he's doing everything he can to avoid confrontations with referees, but he's still getting whistled for technicals.
“I got a tech for saying, ‘Good job, referee,’” Cousins said. “I said, ‘Good job. Good call.’ And I got a tech? I swear to God on my kids. I have yet to have a moment where I just erupt or go off [this season]. I haven’t had one of those, but for some reason I’m still leading the league in techs.”
Cousins is no stranger to blowing up at referees. He led the league the past two seasons in technical fouls, with 18 last season and 17 the year before. NBA rules mandate a player serve a one-game suspension without pay after 16 technical fouls, and there is an automatic one-game suspension for every two technicals after that.
Cousins is tied with Draymond Green for the league lead in technical fouls this season with seven through the Pelicans' first 29 games. Two other technical calls were overturned, including that "good job" tech.
Still, Cousins is on pace for another suspension. He thinks officials are swayed by his reputation.
“I am going out of my way. I am going over and beyond,” Cousins said. “I am coming in saying, ‘We can’t do this, this and this …’ Even calls I know I should be arguing, I’m letting go. And they’re still like … it’s a one-sided thing. Everything is changing from one end. But with them, it’s like, ‘We are not letting go of the past. You are who you are. You’re getting a tech.’"
Cousins says his trouble with officials is making things more difficult for him on the court, as opponents know he has to watch his step.
Despite those situations, Cousins is having a huge year statistically, averaging 26.1 points, 12.5 rebounds and 5.1 assists per game.
He's also become a weapon from behind the 3-point arc, hitting a career-high 2.2 3-pointers per game this season.