Thinner Boogie: 'The best I have felt my whole career'

DeMarcus Cousins has dropped some weight this summer, and it was noticeable Saturday during his 11-point, 10-rebound performance in Team World's NBA Africa Game victory.

"I'm still young but I'm getting up in age now," Cousins told ESPN's Marc J. Spears postgame in Johannesburg. "So I've really got to start focusing on my body. (It's) probably the best I have felt my whole career."

Cousins, who turns 27 next week, has been listed at around 270 pounds for most of his seven-year NBA career. In July, Pelicans coach Alvin Gentry told WDSU-TV that his center was on a tight regimen heading into this coming season.

"He's eating really healthy," Gentry said. "He's got a chef that he's hired. I was really, really excited about what he's taken from the standpoint of trying to get himself ready for the season and obviously he feels like this is a very important season for him."

Related: Cousins says small-ball teams give him and Davis an advantage

Cousins was never overweight in the true sense of the word, but it appears he is taking a similar approach to what LeBron James did three years ago. By eliminating certain grains and sugars and adopting a high-protein diet, players have been able to get leaner in no time.

Gentry is right - this season is a big one for Boogie and New Orleans. Cousins' contract expires next summer, and this will be his first full campaign alongside Anthony Davis in the frontcourt.