Halo

The NBA has fined New Orleans Pelicans center DeMarcus Cousins $50,000 for directing inappropriate language at fans.

Alex Kennedy of HoopsHype passed along the league's statement on the matter:



Cousins, 26, has averaged 22.1 points, 13.6 rebounds and 1.0 block in seven games since being traded to the Pelicans. The Pelicans (25-40) have gone just 2-6 since he was acquired, although an adjustment period isn't necessarily surprising as Cousins and fellow big man Anthony Davis work out the finer points of playing alongside one another.

After being acquired by the Pelicans, Cousins—who has a reputation for having a hot temper—admitted he would have to mind his emotions in New Orleans, per Michael Lee of The Vertical:



But Cousins received his 18th technical of the season in just his third game with the Pelicans, resulting in a one-game suspension. And now he's been hit with this fine, the latest in a string of incidents that also include Cousins berating a Sacramento Kings beat reporter earlier this season.

When the Pelicans acquired Cousins, they did so assuming a number of risks. Would he and Davis be a good fit? Would he sign a long-term extension with the team? Would he be able to reel in some of his fiery behavior?

The jury is still out on the first two questions. As for the third, Cousins hasn't gotten off to a strong start in his effort to "tone it down."

Read more New Orleans Pelicans news on BleacherReport.com



More...