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Barnes hopes to lead Kings' locker room: 'I'm the Cousins whisperer'

Frederick Breedon / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Although he carries a reputation for being brash and unpopular with the league office, Matt Barnes is seeking to be a vocal leader for the Sacramento Kings.

Barnes, 36, has played for nine franchises in his career and he knows what it takes to sow chemistry within his squad. Upon landing in Sacramento for a second time, Barnes is taking aim at DeMarcus Cousins.

"I’m the 'Cousins whisperer,'" Barnes told Andy Furillo of the Sacramento Bee. "He’s a great guy and continues to grow on and off the court, and it’s going to be an honor just to get a chance to play with him."

Similar to Barnes, Cousins has gained an unsavory reputation for being prone to outbursts on the court. Barnes sees all the signs of his former self.

"I think we’re similar in some ways, because when I was younger, I was hotheaded, so to speak, and focused on the wrong thing, and I think that would obviously take away from my game but then take away from my team because you’re getting technical fouls and committing dumb fouls that are vital to the team, especially for someone like him, because he’s such an important part of the team," Barnes said.

"But I think his growth has shown over the years, and I really think that him playing in the Olympics this summer has helped.”

Barnes is no stranger to dealing with superstars. Having gained the respect of greats like Kobe Bryant, Barnes is confident that his voice will ring out through Sacramento's locker room.

"I think I have a unique way of - no matter what team I’ve been on and who’s been on that team, even playing with Kobe (Bryant) and those guys (on the Lakers) - of having my voice being respected," he said.

"I’ve never been a star player, so to speak, but I’ve been one of the leaders, one of the voices of reason, and I have, I think, an uncanny ability to be able to get through to everybody, and not so much by talking. I lead by example, so that when I do talk, people listen, and I’m respected."

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