Editor's note: The above video from Jan. 31 shows one of the injuries DeMarcus Cousins suffered this year.
SACRAMENTO -- As the season winds down and All-Star big man DeMarcus Cousins looks to the summer, he has some pressing matters regarding his health that he must deal with before joining Team USA later this summer.
“I have been preparing,” Cousins said when asked about Team USA following Friday’s win over the Phoenix Suns. “I have some decisions to make before the end of the season. I’ve got to get some procedures done on my body -- on my feet, we’ll see.”
Stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Bay Area and California sports teams! Sign up here for our All Access Daily newsletter.
Cousins is in noticeable pain following games. He walks gingerly on his oversized feet, and it’s not without reason. At 6-11, 270-plus-pounds, Cousins’ lower legs take a beating this season. From an early season Achilles strain to multiple rolled ankles, Cousins has played in 61 games this season with 10 games remaining.
“I’ve been playing with tendinitis in my feet all season,” Cousins told a small gathering of reporters. “That’s why you see me walking up and down funny. Hopefully this procedure goes well and I can start preparing for Team USA.”
Cousins said he is planning to undergo Platelet Rich Therapy (PRP) on his feet and possibly shockwave treatment as well following the offseason, with the hopes that it will relieve some of his pain.
According to Emory Healthcare, “Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy utilizes platelets from the athlete's own blood to rebuild a damaged tendon or cartilage. It has been successful in not only relieving the pain, but also in jumpstarting the healing process.”
NBA
The procedure is not considered surgery and takes less than an hour to perform. The recovery for this type of treatment is roughly 4-6 weeks and Cousins should be ready in plenty of time to compete for a roster spot for the Olympic Games in Rio, which begin on August 5.
Cousins won gold as part of Team USA at the 2014 World Cup and is looking forward to a shot at taking home Olympic gold as well. The 25-year-old center plans to rehab and train in Las Vegas in preparation for training camp.