DeMarcus Cousins was not shy when talking to the media prior to Thursday’s Team USA practice at Chicago’s United Center. When I asked him if he agreed with Kings General Manager and Vice-President Vlade Divac, who said Wednesday that Cousins was the most dominant player in the world, Cousins responded with a confident “I do agree.”

Another topic that Cousins discussed was how his role on Team USA differed from his role with the Kings. When asked to contrast the two, Cousins responded with: “I mean, it’s an obvious thing; I have a much bigger responsibility when I’m with the Kings. Here, it’s more small-detail things, but I also play a big part of the team.”

Cousins’ answer to what he is most looking forward to about the upcoming NBA season was short and concise: “Getting over that hump. Pushing for the playoffs.”

During the 2015-16 season, Cousins said that, if need be, he would kidnap point guard Rajon Rondo to keep him with the Kings. Despite that friendly threat, Rondo wound up leaving the Kings this offseason, signing with the Chicago Bulls on a two-year deal worth $28 million. Cousins let out a chuckle when I noted that he never followed through with kidnapping Rondo. When I asked him how he felt about Rondo leaving, it was apparent that he was truly upset about it. “I mean it sucks,” Cousins said. “Me and Rondo really grew a great bond. He became a big brother to me. I learned a lot from him.” Cousins concluded by commending Rondo’s game and character: “One thing I can say is Chicago’s getting a great person and a great player. Promise me y’all are going to take care of him.”