Latest news with #KendrickPerkins
Time of India
a day ago
- Sport
- Time of India
'Clippers look old' - Kendrick Perkins takes a dig at Los Angeles Clippers on signing Chris Paul for one year
Kendrick Perkins, the analyst at ESPN, dived into the changed dynamics at the Los Angeles Clippers after they signed the 20-season veteran Chris Paul for a one-year deal. Perkins talked about the deal, starting with slow claps targeted at the Clippers' top executives. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now He also said that the 'Clippers look old' and compared them to an old folks home. Perkins candidly spoke against the move and went on to say that the Clippers are nowhere in the championship race. He shared his thoughts on whether the Los Angeles Clippers will be championship contenders. He believed that the defense of the team had taken a hit with Chris Paul's addition, leaving them out of the chances to be a solid contender for the title. Kendrick Perkins did not like Chris Paul's signing with Los Angeles Clippers, calling team 'nursing home' Chris Paul's coming to the Los Angeles Clippers via a one-year contract drew criticism from a one-time NBA champion and analyst, Kendrick Perkins. He started his response to the news by saying: 'Congratulations to Steve Ballmer and the Los Angeles Clippers. They have officially become the nursing home for the NBA for the players that are on the backend of their career. The Clippers look old" Perkins comments largely surrounded the veteran depth the Los Angeles roster has achieved, but he finds it detrimental to the team's defense. Kendrick Perkins doesn't consider Los Angeles Clippers contender for ring ESPN SC | Los Angeles is a new retirement home! - Kendrick Perkins on Chris Paul returns to Clippers Kendrick Perkins appeared on ESPN's SportsCenter show, where he spoke candidly about the Los Angeles Clippers' chances in the championship. When he was asked, 'How do you view the Clippers in the conversation of maybe championship contenders?' he responded: 'I don't, I don't. This is a old folks home right now. Nursing home, in my opinion, when you look at them. When you look at the league, everybody is getting young at the wing position. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now That's the most important position in the NBA when it comes down to be able to defend at a high level. I understand getting Bradley Bill, Chris Paul, you got James Harden, but again, those guys are great when it comes down to being offensively good, but defensively, you're going to have to get stops. ' He further said, 'Especially in the stacked Western Conference, when you've got elite perimeter play all across the board. And so when I look at the teams that I feel like are better than them, the Rockets, the Thunder, the Nuggets, even the Lakers right now with the additions that they added, I just see this team having a really good regular season and being a tough out in the postseason, but not legit title contenders in my eyes. Chris Paul joined the Clippers in the 2011-2012 season and played for them till 2016-2017. He played for the San Antonio Spurs in the 2024-2025 season and agreed to the Clippers deal for the upcoming season, marking his return to the team for his 21st season. Various media reports suggest that it might be his farewell season. Whether Chris Paul will be able to prove Kendrick wrong and end up winning a ring, the answer lies in the upcoming season. Chris Paul FAQs Where did Chris Paul get traded to? Chris Paul got traded to the Los Angeles Clippers. What are Chris Paul's biggest accolades? Chris Paul made nine All-Defensive Teams and 11 All-NBA Teams. He was among the top 75 players of all time. Does Chris Paul have an NBA ring? Chris Paul does not have an NBA ring yet. Also Read:
Yahoo
14-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Kendrick Perkins Mourns the Death of Former Thunder Teammate
Kendrick Perkins Mourns the Death of Former Thunder Teammate originally appeared on Athlon Sports. In the spring of 2012, the Oklahoma City Thunder surged to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1996, when the franchise was based in Seattle (SuperSonics). Advertisement Now, more than a decade later, most fans look back on that team as what could have been with a core of Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and James Harden. However, few remembered that on the fringe of that rotation stood a young forward named Ryan Reid, a former second‑round pick out of Florida State. On Monday, the basketball world learned of Reid's untimely death at age 38, and among the first to take notice was his former Thunder teammate and now ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins. Perkins sent a tribute to Reid on Instagram, writing, "Rest in Peace young 👑 Fly high my brother 🙏🏿 🕊️." Reid died following a medical emergency on July 9. Advertisement Kendrick Perkins, InstagramKendrick Perkins, Instagram Reid was born in Lauderdale Lakes, Florida, and blossomed into a standout at Boyd Anderson High School. He averaged 18 points, 12 rebounds and 3 blocks per game as a junior and senior, earning a scholarship to Florida State. From 2006 to 2010, Reid developed under coach Leonard Hamilton into a physical, versatile forward and leader, becoming just one of three players in school history to reach the NCAA postseason in all four years. His final senior season saw him average a career-high 6.8 points, 4 rebounds, 0.6 steals and 0.5 blocks across 31 games (29 starts). Oklahoma City Thunder's Russell Westbrook (0), Derek Fisher (37), Kendrick Perkins (5), James Harden (13) and Kevin Durant (35).© Soobum Im-Imagn Images The Indiana Pacers selected Reid with the 57th overall pick in the 2010 NBA Draft, immediately trading his rights to the Thunder. Advertisement After a stint with the Tulsa 66ers in the NBA Development League, he earned a roster spot for the 2011-12 NBA season. In five appearances with the Thunder, Reid logged 17 total minutes, scoring eight points and grabbing two rebounds. Though his time in Oklahoma City was limited, Reid went on to enjoy a long international career, competing overseas in Puerto Rico, France, Japan and Canada up until 2019. Related: Rockets Release NBA Veteran Days After Kevin Durant Trade Related: Damian Lillard Receives Message From Bucks After Unexpected Release This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 14, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
12-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
"This could be your last chance" - Kendrick Perkins tells Deandre Ayton not to waste his opportunity with the Lakers
"This could be your last chance" - Kendrick Perkins tells Deandre Ayton not to waste his opportunity with the Lakers originally appeared on Basketball Network. There have been mixed reactions to the Los Angeles Lakers signing former No.1 Pick Deandre Ayton. Advertisement Some say it's an opportunity for Ayton to prove his detractors wrong after disappointing stints with the Phoenix Suns and Portland Trailblazers. Meanwhile, ESPN's Kendrick Perkins thinks it could very well be Deandre's final chance to show that he belongs in the NBA. "He better come in with the right mindset because this could possibly be his last shot," Perkins said. "When you look at the bigs around the Western Conference — Jokic, Sengun, Anthony Davis — when they heard the reports the Lakers were signing Deandre Ayton… "Ugh, yeah. They want some action, big fella." More is expected of Ayton Ayton was the Suns' No.1 overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft out of the University of Arizona. But after five underwhelming seasons in "The Valley," the Suns gave up on Deandre and traded him to the Portland Trailblazers in 2023. Advertisement He has spent the last two seasons in Portland, but has appeared in only 95 games, averaging 15.7 points and 10.7 rebounds per game. Although putting up a double-double the entire season is pretty impressive, much more is demanded from Ayton, who was supposed to be a franchise cornerstone. Perk says the expectations are even higher when playing for the Lakers. "You got your hands full," added Perk. "So, this should be a moment where you go in and check yourself and say, you know what? I'm about to lock in. People need to see that you're committed in doing the little things, right? You got a tough Western Conference. Forget the league. You've got a great responsibility. You're playing for one of the most historic franchises in sports. You got Magic Johnson watching you day to day. You got Big Game, James Worthy. They're watching your a**. You got to go out there and produce, period." Not about his ability The issue with Ayton has never been his talent. With his length, athleticism, and soft hands, he is one of the most gifted big men in the game. However, his attitude and lack of effort in games have always been his issue. Advertisement Last January 15, 2025, Ayton put on an absolute stinker when he scored just 2 points on 1-4 shooting while grabbing 8 rebounds in 24 minutes of playing time during a 114-132 loss to the lowly Brooklyn Nets. 2016 NBA champion Channing Frye said he was disgusted with Ayton's performance during that game. "I'm watching the Blazer game, and it is gross watching a certain player absolutely F--K OFF his minutes is unreal. Please stop playing this person, Trailblazers," wrote Frye. Playing for the Lakers always brings added pressure because they are one of the most iconic franchises in the league, and it's always championship or bust in L.A. Hopefully, Ayton understands what may be at stake for him once he wears that Purple and Gold. Or as Perkins said, he might never get another chance after this say it's an opportunity for Ayton to prove his detractors wrong after disappointing stints with the Phoenix Suns and Portland Trail Blazers. Meanwhile, ESPN's Kendrick Perkins thinks it could very well be Deandre's final chance to show that he belongs in the NBA. Related: "He is fantastic" - JJ Redick defended Deandre Ayton after Patrick Beverley called him overrated in 2022 This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jul 5, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
12-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
"You can't trick a former player that's your coach" - Perkins doesn't buy that Ayton struggled with Blazers because of losing culture
"You can't trick a former player that's your coach" - Perkins doesn't buy that Ayton struggled with Blazers because of losing culture originally appeared on Basketball Network. ESPN's Kendrick Perkins disagrees with the notion that the newly signed Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton struggled during his tenure with the Portland Trail Blazers because he was a winning player put in a losing situation. Advertisement Ayton hinted that during an interview with ESPN L.A.. It's unclear if Perkins was reacting to the big man's statement, but what was sure was that Perk believes that the Blazers had a good reason why they decided to waive the former No.1 pick. "I never took for granted how talented he is," said Perkins on the recent episode of the "Road Trippin" podcast. "We know that he could walk out; he can fill up the box score. Here's the thing: You can't trick a former player who's your coach. Chauncey Billups was your coach in Portland. So it's no fool's gold with him." Billups benched Ayton and said he didn't like his "spirit" Big things were expected from Ayton when the Phoenix Suns picked him first overall in the 2018 NBA Draft out of the University of Arizona. However, while he had his moments in "The Valley", DeAndre's tenure there was marred with accusations of bad behavior and poor work habits, and the Suns gave up on him after only five seasons, when he was only 24 years old. Advertisement Many thought going to Portland to play for the Blazers would give Dominayton a new lease on life. However, his struggles got worse, and last December, head coach Chauncey Billups benched him because he did not like Ayton's "spirit" in the game. Deandre played for the Blazers until February but did not see action after the All-Star break because of a calf strain. Last month, Ayton and Portland agreed on a buyout where he reportedly gave up $10 million of his $35 million salary for next season. "Coaches don't really look at box scores to determine whether or not you had an impact on the game. Chauncey Billups played and won a championship with fu—n' Ben Wallace, a guy that did all the little things," added Perkins. "Can you front? Can you meet early? Are you going to battle in the low block so a guy can't get an easy catch? And when he does, are you going to take the hit? Are you not afraid of embarrassment? When I say embarrassment, are you going to go contest shots, although you may get put in the highlight reel? A coach doesn't give a damn about this sh–.They want to know that every single time, Deandre Ayton is going to meet you at the rim," he continued. Advertisement Related: "All those muscles aren't gonna help you tonight" - Kevin McHale recalls when Bird trash-talked young and overly-muscular Anthony Mason Ayton wants to play in a winning situation In his first interview as a Laker, Ayton said that he asked to be bought out in Portland because he wanted to be part of a winning team again. Deandre said that once he was traded to the Blazers, he was thrust into a situation where the team focused more on developing players than contending for a championship. "On the Trail Blazers, they had a different route," he said. "Me, I wanted to be in a winning situation, and my agents and I finally got a chance in free agency just to finally evaluate. I feel like the Lakers were in the best position. They want to win a championship right now, and I want to win right now as well and just be part of a winning legacy and be around winners. And everyone said it was something difficult to think about, but it just brings me back to playing with the Suns and being part of a winning organization. Once you win, everything is easy, really." Advertisement There was never a question of how good a basketball player Ayton was — it was always about his attitude and work ethic. Given Billups' background, he is a good judge of talent and character. That's why Perk believes there was a valid reason why the Blazers gave up Deandre like the Suns did before them. Related: "This could be your last chance" - Kendrick Perkins tells Deandre Ayton not to waste his opportunity with the Lakers This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jul 10, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
09-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Kendrick Perkins Claims LeBron James And Rich Paul Don't Control Lakers Anymore: 'New Sheriffs In Town'
Kendrick Perkins Claims LeBron James And Rich Paul Don't Control Lakers Anymore: 'New Sheriffs In Town' originally appeared on Fadeaway World. Klutch Sports Group CEO Rich Paul stirred speculation about his client LeBron James' future with the Los Angeles Lakers with some interesting comments. Paul hinted that James could ask out, and Kendrick Perkins stated on Perk Unplugged that this was an indicator that they are losing power within the Lakers organization. Advertisement 'The Los Angeles Lakers, you got so much going on,' Perkins said. 'You got all this happening. Bron, Rich Paul putting out a statement that I felt like it really served no purpose but to ruffle the feathers, and you know why he wants to ruffle the feathers? You wanna know why? "'Cause it's a new sheriff in town, or should I say sheriffs, plural in town in LA," Perkins stated. "Yes, they have a new owner... I know they have the reports that Jeanie Buss is still going to be [the governor], I don't believe that. You ain't paying $10 billion without calling shots, okay? And when I say new sheriffs, it's not just because of the owner. "It's because the focal point, you franchise guy, now is Luka Doncic," Perkins continued. "An international superstar. It's not a 40-year-old LeBron James. It's not Rich Paul with Klutch Sports no more. No, it's Luka and it's WME, Bill Duffy. "I said this on air two, three days ago," Perkins added. "I said Deandre Ayton gonna sign with the Lakers, because you know who Deandre Ayton represented by? WME. So, if you don't think that Luka is having a say in what's going on with the Lakers front office right now, you crazy as hell. But rightfully so. They need him. They want him to resign that contract." Advertisement The Lakers didn't always make moves with James' best interests in mind in his first six and a half seasons with the franchise. Still, they did look to appease him as he was their biggest star, but that's no longer the case now. The Lakers acquired Luka Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks in February, and he has displaced James as their most important player. Doncic is the present as well as the future for the franchise, and every move they make now will be with his happiness in mind. That's especially the case with the guard having the option, as of now, of becoming a free agent in 2026. Doncic is eligible, though, to sign a four-year, $228 million extension with the Lakers on Aug. 2. While he has always been expected to sign that deal, the front office isn't going to take the risk of upsetting him in any way before he puts pen to paper. Perkins believes the Lakers signed Deandre Ayton to appease Doncic, as they are both represented by Bill Duffy. It's unclear, though, if that is truly the case. The Lakers needed a center, and Ayton just so happened to be the best one on the market. You'd think he would have been the top target even if he wasn't represented by Duffy. Advertisement While Perkins' claim regarding Ayton may or may not be accurate, it's safe to say that James and Paul's influence over the Lakers has diminished. NBA insider Brian Windhorst stated that LeBron and the Lakers are drifting apart and pointed to Doncic's arrival as the moment when it all began. It still appears likely that James will remain a Laker in 2025-26, but he might decide to finally part ways with the team next offseason. Related: Dominique Wilkins Says LeBron James Is A Sidekick For The Lakers After Luka Doncic Trade This story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jul 7, 2025, where it first appeared.
