DeMarcus Cousins' time in New Orleans hasn't gone well.
The Pelicans are 3-6 since acquiring Cousins from the Kings, and their last win came with the All-Star center being benched with just over nine minutes remaining in the fourth quarter against Charlotte on Sunday.
Cousins declined to talk to the media following the Pelicans' 125-122 overtime win, but a day later, he spoke after practice and was asked what was going through his mind.
"Was it frustrating? Not at all. The team was in a good rhythm, they were playing a good stretch of basketball, so I wasn't mad at all. Pulled out a good win. I'm not mad at all," Cousins said on Monday.
Cousins was asked to recalled if he's ever been benched that early in a game.
'First time in a long time. Maybe since my rookie season. But you know, that's how it played out. Coach [Alvin Gentry] made a decision. It is what it is. My job is just to go out there and play when my name is called upon. It wasn't, so I was a cheerleader from the bench," Cousins said.
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Did Cousins and Gentry speak after the game regarding the situation?
"Nothing to talk about. It was his decision," Cousins said.
In eight games with the Pelicans, Cousins is averaging 20.8 points per game, down from the 27.8 he averaged in 55 games with the Kings this season. His rebounds per game, though, are up to 12.4 from 10.6.
New Orleans is back in action Tuesday when they host Portland.
