While Paolo Banchero was busy helping the Orlando Magic get to the playoffs on Friday night, his father Mario had some social media clapbacks ready for his son’s critics.
Following a difficult opening play-in game, ESPN’s Kendrick Perkins went off on the Magic forward, and Banchero’s father clearly heard the comments.
Paolo Banchero’s Father Fires Back at Kendrick Perkins’ Scathing Critique
During Orlando’s play-in matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers on April 15, Banchero struggled to make a mark in the 109-97 defeat. Banchero recorded 18 points, 4 assists, and 6 turnovers, while shooting 7-of-22 from the field (31.8%) and 0-of-5 from 3-point range, and he found himself in the crosshairs of criticism.
The loss to the 76ers sent Orlando into a win-or-go-home elimination game against the Charlotte Hornets and prompted Perkins to publicly rip Banchero. On the latest episode of the “Road Trippin’ Show,” the NBA champion launched an expletive-laden rant about Banchero’s performance.
“I’m telling you facts over feelings… I’m so sick and tired of Paolo Banchero, and the reason being is because all he’s been doing, he got more excuses than a brother going to jail,” Perkins said. “All he’s been doing all season long as making fu**ing excuse after excuse. Throwing his coach under the bus and all of a sudden, you look last night on the big stage, his a** wasn’t ready to dance.”
But when the lights were brightest on Friday night, Banchero proved he was more than ready to dance. He completely dominated the Hornets, recording 25 points, 6 assists, and 5 rebounds on 9-of-17 (52.9%) shooting from the floor to help the Magic secure a playoff spot.
Mario, Paolo’s father, wasted no time firing back at Perkins.
Via his X account, he posted a direct response to the NBA champion’s viral rant, writing, “The Internet is a cold place! Shout out to my guy KP……….. but , um, you got some sprinkles in your beard. Lol”
The Internet is a cold place!
Shout out to my guy KP……….. but , um, you got some sprinkles in your beard. Lol pic.twitter.com/Y18eCFlcxI— Mario Banchero (@MarioBanchero) April 18, 2026
During the regular season, Banchero posted averages of 22.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game. He has found himself in the spotlight this season after his public comments about the team‘s approach and Orlando’s struggles in general.
However, the Magic are hoping that Banchero will light it up once the playoffs begin. The 2024 All-Star has averaged 28.0 points, 4.1 assists, and 8.5 rebounds in 12 playoff games across his career. He has also shot the ball better on basketball’s biggest stage, knocking down 41.8% of his attempts from 3-point range.
For now, Orlando will pack its bags for Detroit as they have a first-round date against the Pistons, and Banchero will try to keep the apologies coming.
