Warriors’ DeMarcus Cousins eager to prove his doubters wrong

In the past 12 months, DeMarcus Cousins has sustained a career-altering Achilles injury, received minimal interest in free agency, watched from the bench as his new team struggled, and grieved the death of his grandmother.

“It’s been a long year for me,” Cousins said after Warriors practice Thursday afternoon. “There have been a lot of ups and downs, but the finish line is ahead.”

Golden State finally has a target date for Cousins’ debut: Jan. 18 against the Clippers at Staples Center.