DeMarcus Cousins entered the NBA with questions in regards to his maturity and was arguably left off the United States' 2012 Olympic team due to concerns about how he would handle limited minutes.

But Cousins is embracing a bigger leadership role for the Sacramento Kings as he enters his third season.

"I'm trying (to lead)," Cousins said. "Just in a better way that will be accepted more and accepted better."

Cousins has been asked by teammates to make sure his messages and observations are conveyed in a productive manner.

"Sometimes you may be asking a valid question, but your demeanor and demonstrative way puts out that it's more than it really is," said Keith Smart. "So you have to figure out a way, how do I communicate to my teammate?"