Kendrick Perkins, never one to shy away from a hot take, ignited a firestorm on social media today after laying out a bizarre set of conditions for Anthony Edwards to become the face of the NBA.
Fan Reaction to Kendrick Perkins’ Wild Take
Appearing on ESPN’s “First Take,” Perkins declared, “You gotta check the boxes when you’re the face of the league. … Things outside the lines matter.
“Now, if you go down the list of all the faces of the league in the history of the game — you look at Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Shaq[uille O’Neal], LeBron [James], Steph[en Curry] — what did they all have in common? While they were playing in the league, they were all family men. They were all married with kids.”
The former NBA player’s assertion that the players’ marital and parental status dictates their suitability as the league’s public ambassador was met with immediate and widespread derision from fans on X.
One user perfectly encapsulated the sentiment, quipping, “Bench players talking like starters,” a clear jab at Perkins’ perceived overreach given his own lackluster playing career and a callback to a famous Drake lyric.
Bench players talking like starters I hate it
— Sycamore’s Source (@sycamoressource) May 27, 2025
Others did not miss the absurdity of Perkins’ criteria. “What does having a family have to do with being the best in basketball?” another commenter asked, highlighting the disconnect between on-court prowess and personal life choices.
A third fan expressed outright bewilderment, stating, “Why is this dude worried about these guys personal life man that’s weird.”
Why is this dude worried about these guys personal life man that’s weird
— 💫 (@NewMediaSports_) May 27, 2025
Indeed, Perkins’ take is remarkably flawed. The history of the NBA is filled with iconic figures who, by his arbitrary standards, would never have ascended to “face of the league” status.
Allen Iverson, a cultural icon and MVP, was famously not married with children during his prime. Wilt Chamberlain, one of the most dominant forces the game has ever seen, was a lifelong bachelor. Even among Perkins’ own list, applying such strict criteria retroactively ignores the complexities of individuals’ lives and relationships during their playing careers.
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The notion that a player’s family structure is a prerequisite for being the face of the league is not only antiquated but also irrelevant to their impact on the game and their marketability. Fans connect with their players for their talent, personality, competitiveness, and dedication to the sport, not their marital status.
As another exasperated fan succinctly put it, “Kendrick Perkins saying anything to stay relevant.” In this instance, Perkins certainly achieved relevance, but not for the reasons he might have hoped.
