Former NBA Champion Kendrick Perkins Opens Up About Feud With Nets’ Kevin Durant

Published 01/31/2021, 3:15 PM EST

The NBA right now is witnessing a clash between some retired Hall of Famers and current superstars. Players like Kevin Durant and James Harden have been pretty vocal about the criticisms from the legendary players of late.

Former teammate Kendrick Perkins also revealed the superstar’s feud with him. Perkins in a recent appearance in All The Smoke podcast revealed that KD apparently was upset with him for not mentioning as the best player ever for the OKC Thunder.

He said, “Like the issue you know, where he (Durant) thought I was disrespecting him by saying that Russell Westbrook was the greatest of all time for us as the greatest Thunder.

Article continues below this ad

“Now this is what I’m trying to explain the KD just because you’re the greatest player doesn’t mean that you’re the best player they ever put on the Thunder uniform.”

He also explained why he chose Westbrook over Durant, “KD, you left that door open. When you chose to go to Golden State. You took the praise when you want to go to state, you got to be able to take the heat when you left.

“Okay? See, they don’t love you like they love Russ and a lot of people agree to that, Russ leads that team and every statistical category.

“And when I say that on that day, I was actually saying that because Russ was returning back to OKC. And I said, Look, roll the red carpet out for him.

“He’s the greatest Thunder of all time, in my opinion. He stood there. He embraced the moment and he capitalized on.”

Recently, KD was pretty vocal about the criticism from the TNT crew of Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley. Perkins is the newest addition to that list.

Can Kevin Durant silence his critics and win the title with the Nets?

Article continues below this ad

Despite all the off-court drama, Durant has been the standout performer for the Brooklyn Nets so far. After missing 2 years of actions, KD looks like he hasn’t missed a beat and is back to his best.

He is currently the league’s second best scorer averaging 30.5 points, 5.5 assists, and 7.5 rebounds per game. The 32-year-old has also chipped in on the defensive end as he averages 1.5 blocks per game.

The Nets are finally looking like a cohesive unit with their big three. They now have the 4th best record in the Eastern Conference, with 12 wins and 8 losses. Their superstar addition, James Harden, has taken a slump in the production and still finding his feet.

Article continues below this ad

On paper, they surely have a chance to be the champions. Can Durant lead this Nets team to an NBA championship?

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Aditya Mohapatra is a sports enthusiast who primarily covers the NBA for EssentiallySports. Having graduated in Mass Communication, he has prior experience in writing for ABP News, and has been writing for EssentiallySports since November 2020. This die-hard Los Angeles Lakers fan feels that LeBron James is the best thing to have ever happened to the NBA, and will hold a healthy debate with anyone suggesting otherwise.

Former NBA Champion Kendrick Perkins Opens Up About Feud With Nets’ Kevin Durant

Can Kevin Durant silence his critics and win the title with the Nets?

Trending

Possible Shohei Ohtani Ban From MLB Has Shaq Questioning $700 Million Contract

7’4 Victor Wembanyama, Accused of Disrespecting Knicks Star, Gets MVP Shout-Out From Unbothered Jalen Brunson

After Nike, Sha’Carri Richardson Follows Lebron James Footsteps In Historic Partnership With Sprite

Is Dawn Staley Married? Details on South Carolina Coach’s Love Life and Special Bond With Lisa Boyer

Why Is Gabbie Marshall Not Invited to the 2024 WNBA Draft Despite Graduating From Iowa?