DeMarcus Cousins receives inaugural community assist award
Oct 20, 2017, 3:14 PM
New Orleans Pelicans' DeMarcus Cousins poses for a portrait during the NBA basketball team's media day, Monday, Sept. 25, 2017, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Doug Parker)
(AP Photo/Doug Parker)
New Orleans Pelicans center DeMarcus Cousins not only gets it done on the boards and in the paint, but also in the community.
In his helpful efforts, Cousins received the inaugural Offseason NBA Cares Community Assist Award. The big man made an impact in multiple communities including Alabama, New Orleans, Sacramento and South Africa.
Since the conclusion of the regular season, Cousins has been fully committed with lending a hand. He hosted basketball camps for more than 300 kids in Sacramento and Birmingham, Ala. where he not only helped them polish their skills on the court but also worked with VSP Global to provide free eye exams for all attendees in Sacramento. He also donated backpacks and school supplies in Birmingham.
This summer, Cousins broadened his reach when he participated in the NBA Africa Game and Basketball without Borders. While there he visited orphaned youth at SOS Children’s Village and assisted in hosting a Jr. NBA Special Olympics Unified Basketball Clinic.
Even when Cousins went to his hometown in Mobile, Ala. the assisting efforts didn’t stop. He donated funds to build an outdoor basketball facility at Figures Park.
Before the Pelicans home game against the Golden State Warriors Friday, NBA Cares Ambassador Bob Lanier will present the award to Cousins. Kaiser Permanente and the NBA will, in addition, donate $10,000 on Cousins’ behalf to Houston Mayor’s Relief Fund through Dynamo Charities.
Character Counts is a registered trademark of the Josephson Institute. 
