Kings center DeMarcus Cousins: 'I am a role model, absolutely'

Kings center DeMarcus Cousins, currently in Spain with Team USA for the FIBA World Cup, said this week that he is "absolutely" a role model because he comes from a "different kind of place," according to a report from USA Basketball's website.

Kings center DeMarcus Cousins, currently in Spain with Team USA for the FIBA World Cup, said this week that he is "absolutely" a role model because he comes from a "different kind of place," according to a report from USA Basketball's website.

Cousins, who ranked first in the NBA in technical fouls last season and second in 2012-13, said there are different kinds of role models, and he represents one that came from a place where's there's not a lot of opportunity. In that regard, Sacramento's big man sees himself as someone the younger generation can look up to when they see him on the court.

Team USA's Colangelo: World Cup team 'by far' better than 2010 squad

The 24-year-old has been fined by the league for on-court altercations, but last season he had a borderline All-Star year with averages of 22.7 points, 11.7 rebounds and 2.9 assists in 71 games. 

From the report:

"I am a role model, absolutely. There are different types of people out there, and I come from a different type of place. So, I absolutely think I am a role model ... I come from a place where there are not a lot of opportunities. People there, they don’t ever really dream big because they don’t think it ever really exists. Like the things you see on TV, they think it’s just a false world. And them seeing me make it, they believe it is possible. Those people grew up with me; they have seen the struggles; they have seen me fight and work my way to where I am now, so I absolutely believe I am a role model.”

- Marc Weinreich