Last night in Los Angeles, amidst yet another disappointing display, Cousins let his frustrations boil over, jawing with Coach Smart between quarters and apparently continuing into the locker room at half time. For his actions, Coach Smart opted to leave him in the locker room for the second half, citing "conduct detrimental to the team".

But the loss, largely expected, pales in comparison to the thought of Sacramento's rebuild lying on a fault line, ready to collapse at a moment's notice. Cousins, whose red flags have been mentioned throughout his young basketball career (both amateur and professional) has done little to redeem himself. While he did the responsible thing after tonight's game and offered an apology to both his team and the media, it's time for Cousins to walk the walk and not just talk the talk, both off AND on the court, where he hasn't exactly been stunning either.

During the second half of last year, it appeared Cousins had turned a corner in terms of his game. He became a nightly 20-10 threat and was much improved on defense as well (he led the league in charges taken). There were still major flaws, particularly in his efficiency and foul issues, but it was promising enough to overlook his troublesome disposition.

I want to believe in DeMarcus Cousins. I want to see him rise to greatness and bring this team along. But it can't happen unless he channels his passion and fervor for the game in a constructive, not destructive, manner.

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