The NBA’s current technical-foul policy -- which suspends players one game for their 16th technical and another game for every other tech after each season -- has resulted in eight suspensions since being implemented before the 2005-06 season, according to Patricia Bender’s database:
- Rasheed Wallace 2006-07: March 10
- Rasheed Wallace 2006-07: March 24
- Stephen Jackson 2008-09: March 16
- Dwight Howard 2010-11: March 5
- Dwight Howard 2010-11 April 7
- DeMarcus Cousins 2013-14: April 14
- Blake Griffin 2013-14: April 16
- DeMarcus Cousins 2015-16: March 31
DeMarcus Cousins will make it nine -- surpassing the limit nearly a month quicker than anyone else.
Cousins was ejected late in the Kings’ loss to the Bulls last night for his second technical foul of the game. Presumably, the league will officially suspend him later today, Feb. 7.
Dwight Howard was previously the quickest player to a 16-technical suspension, getting his on March 5 of the 2010-11 season.
Cousins was already the only player suspended in two different seasons for techs. Now, he’ll become the first player with three total technical-foul suspensions, breaking a tie with Howard and Rasheed Wallace.
Given how much time remains in the season, Cousins could easily add to his technical-foul résumé. The Kings’ playoff pursuit focused him, but they’re now 3.5 games and three teams out of postseason position. What will keep Sacramento’s already-mercurial star in line if his team doesn’t make up ground?
