Official Announcement! Former NBA Star Signs with Chinese League, Confirms Departure from NBA Dreams...

In a move that has sent shockwaves through the basketball world, DeMarcus Cousins, once considered the best center in the NBA, has officially signed with the Wuxi Wenchuang HuiShan team in the China Super 3x3 Basketball League. The announcement marks a significant turning point in Cousins’ career, as he has seemingly closed the door on any potential return to the NBA, opting instead to bring his talents to the rapidly growing three-on-three basketball scene in China.

According to sources, Cousins’ contract with Wuxi Wenchuang HuiShan is set to pay him a staggering $350,000 per month, nearly double the $200,000 monthly salary he earned last season while playing for the Taiwan T1 League’s Taoyuan Leopards. Additionally, his contract includes several perks, including the ability to bring along his family and personal team, ensuring that the transition to life in China is as smooth as possible.

This decision to join the Super 3x3 League represents a significant shift for Cousins, who just last season was competing in the five-on-five format of basketball, where he was known for his dominant performances in the paint. In Taiwan’s T1 League, Cousins averaged an impressive 25.3 points, 16.5 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game in the finals, leading his team to a championship and earning Finals MVP honors. These stats demonstrated that, despite his injury history and advancing age, Cousins could still perform at an elite level. However, the jump from traditional five-on-five basketball to the more fast-paced, physically demanding three-on-three format will undoubtedly present a new set of challenges for the veteran big man.

Basketball analyst Su Qun expressed his excitement about Cousins' arrival, noting that Cousins is the first international star of his caliber to join a professional three-on-three basketball league, not just in China but globally. This signing, Su Qun argues, could be a game-changer for the sport, drawing more attention to the league and potentially paving the way for other former NBA players to follow suit.

Cousins is set to make his debut for Wuxi Wenchuang HuiShan at the Super 3x3 League's Zhangjiagang Station competition, scheduled to take place from September 6th to 8th. He will then return to Wuxi to compete in the FIBA 3x3 World Tour Masters event from October 1st to 2nd. The decision to participate in these high-profile tournaments indicates that Cousins is serious about making a mark in the world of three-on-three basketball.

However, while Cousins' skills and basketball IQ are undeniable, there are concerns about how quickly he can adapt to the demands of three-on-three basketball, a format he has never played professionally before. The three-on-three game places a much greater emphasis on speed, agility, and endurance, requiring players to be in peak physical condition. At 34 years old and with a history of significant injuries, including an Achilles tear and ACL rupture, Cousins will face a stern test of his physical capabilities.

The physical toll of three-on-three basketball is well-documented. During the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, Hu Jinqiu, then only 23 years old, became a viral sensation due to his exhaustion, frequently displaying expressions of fatigue as he struggled to keep up with the relentless pace of the game. If a young and healthy player like Hu could barely cope with the demands of three-on-three basketball, what does that mean for a veteran like Cousins?

Despite these concerns, Cousins has proven time and again that he is a competitor who thrives under pressure. His ability to dominate in five-on-five basketball, even after returning from career-threatening injuries, speaks volumes about his resilience and determination. If he can bring that same level of intensity to three-on-three basketball, there’s no reason to believe he couldn’t find success in this new format as well.

Moreover, there is speculation that a strong performance in the Super 3x3 League could potentially open doors for Cousins to return to five-on-five basketball, possibly even in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA). The CBA is known for being a lucrative and competitive league that has attracted several former NBA players in the past. Given that traditional basketball is Cousins’ natural environment, it’s conceivable that he might use his time in the three-on-three league as a stepping stone to secure a contract in the CBA, where he could continue to showcase his talents on a larger stage.

For now, though, Cousins appears committed to making the most of his new opportunity in China. The decision to transition from chasing an NBA comeback to embracing the challenges of three-on-three basketball is a bold one, but it could also be a highly rewarding one, both financially and in terms of legacy. As the first international superstar to compete in the Super 3x3 League, Cousins has a chance to be a pioneer, helping to elevate the sport to new heights in China and beyond.

The coming months will be crucial for Cousins as he adapts to his new surroundings and the demands of three-on-three basketball. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if the former NBA All-Star can replicate his past success in this new format, or if the transition proves to be too challenging. Either way, Cousins’ journey in China is sure to be an intriguing chapter in the career of one of basketball’s most enigmatic figures.