We saw last week how messy the NBA’s early extension deadline has the potential to be for the relationship between some teams and their third-year talent’s. While Derrick Rose and Russell Westbrook signed long-term deals without incident with the Bulls and Thunder, respectively, things got a little awkward for Kevin Love, Eric Gordon and Roy Hibbert, among others.

DeMarcus Cousins isn’t the first NBA player to enter the league boasting special talents while also falling short a few screws. However, he is unique in that he’s made it 19 months into his pro career without either side – the talent or the personality – winning out in a clear fashion.

On Tuesday night, Norris Cole, a little-known Miami Heat rookie out of Cleveland State, trended worldwide on Twitter.

The rock sits right outside the Toronto Raptors’ locker room – in plain view of anyone who happens to pass by. Over two feet high, it serves as a striking representation of the imprint that Dwane Casey has already made on the club, really just one week into his coaching tenure.

On Tuesday, Raptors head coach Dwane Casey spoke about the process of a shortened training camp and about being impressed by Andrea Bargnani five days into camp.

DeMar DeRozan spoke to the media following Tuesday’s morning practice. He spoke about becoming the face of the franchise, developing as a leader and defender and getting knocked down by new teammate Jamaal Magloire.

Ed Davis met with media following practice on Tuesday morning as he prepares to kick off his sophomore NBA season. In addition to discussing the influence of Jamaal Magloire, he talked about the thin line between being a tough team and a dirty team.

Anthony Carter, the Raptors’ new resident soundbyte-in-waiting (so long, Reggie Evans!) offered up his evaluation of his second day of training camp with the club. He also spoke about toughness and discussed the meaning behind some of his many tattoo’s.

After a Tuesday morning practice session, Jamaal Magloire talks about knocking down DeMar DeRozan, offers his thoughts on DeRozan and Ed Davis and provides a timeline for the young team’s success.

The NBA schedule, which was released on Tuesday night, wasn’t kind to anyone; such is the nature of a 66-game tilt being crammed into a short, four-month window. But it’s hard to fathom a tougher stretch faced by any NBA franchise than the Raptors’ January slate.