維克多·溫班亞馬時代已經到來，肯德里克·帕金斯相信這個時代可能會持續很長一段時間。本週，溫班亞馬全票當選 NBA 年度最佳防守球員。這位馬刺球星是第一位一致選出該獎項的球員，也是有史以來最年輕的獲獎球員，年僅 22 歲。

今年，他場均貢獻3次阻攻、1次抄截和11.5個籃板，找到影響對手進攻的方法。在最新一期的 公路旅行 在播客中，帕金斯表示，他相信溫班亞馬將連續贏得年度最佳防守球員。

「他將贏得接下來的五六連勝。如果他在場上，他有空，他將贏得接下來的五六連勝。他可以說是誠實的，他是我一生中親眼所見的最好的防守者。我是看著哈基姆·奧拉朱旺和凱文·加內特一起比賽長大的。

德懷特霍華德目前保持著連續獲得年度最佳防守球員最多的紀錄，從 2009 年到 2011 年共獲得 3 次。溫班亞馬連續 5 到 6 次獲獎也使他成為獲得最佳防守球員最多的球員，領先於本·華萊士、迪肯貝·穆托姆博和魯迪·戈貝爾，他們分別獲得了 4 次最佳防守球員。

雖然要實現這項壯舉對溫巴尼亞馬來說是一項艱鉅的任務，但以他指揮防守的能力，這是很有可能的。

The Detroit Pistons are entering a crucial period without Cade Cunningham, and Kendrick Perkins believes his collapsed lung injury could reshape the team’s trajectory moving forward. Detroit earned its 50th win of the season, its first since 2007–08, but the sudden loss of its All-Star guard changed everything. With momentum building, the focus has now shifted from celebration to survival. How do the pistons react when the engine dies?

Kendrick Perkins gives a bold answer on Road Trippin’. He did not suggest any simple replacement. Instead, he pointed to a change in the system for the Pistons.

“JB, I’m talking to you, your guy. If I were you right now, I would go and study when Miami gets to the Finals and I would expand our offense even more through Duncan Robinson. It doesn’t mean he’s getting touches, but my offensive sets will be designed around him. Chaos, back picks and all that stuff will be created.”

It’s not about quantity. It’s about gravity. Agitation. Pressure.

A different type of center point for the piston

This idea may seem unusual, but it has weight. Duncan Robinson’s figures support this. This season, he is averaging 11.8 points while shooting 40 percent from three. In previous playoff runs, he hovered around similar production, but kept defense every possession. That constant motion created space. It unlocked everything else.

Detroit could follow that blueprint.

As Cade Cunningham continues to battle his injury, the Pistons’ offense is at risk of becoming stagnant. Very predictable. Very slow. But a motion-based system built around shooters and off-ball action could breathe life into the mix. This may force the defense to react rather than give instructions.

The Pistons have already proven they can win. Fifty wins say this clearly. Still this moment feels different. Big. Margins for error reduced.

So now the focus turns to Bickerstaff. Adjust or pause. Favor or fade.

Because if this team wants to move forward without its star, it will have to embrace chaos, and rely on an entirely new path forward. What happens next could define this entire season.

Former NBA player Kendrick Perkins made one of the boldest calls of the season, and it immediately put Victor Wambayama and the San Antonio Spurs front and center against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Speaking on First Take, Perkins didn’t hold back from discussing the NBA Finals picture. He went beyond praise. He made a prediction that caught the attention of the entire league.

“The San Antonio Spurs are going to win the NBA Championship.”@kendrickperkins Doubles down on Spurs, knocks Thunder out of playoffs pic.twitter.com/g9bs08Wpqw

– First Tech (@FirstTech) 17 March 2026

Perkins said, “You all know how I feel about the Oklahoma City Thunder. That’s my home away from home, but damn, I’m going to say it again on national television, the San Antonio Spurs are going to win the NBA championship this year.”

That statement came down hard. This challenged the growing perception that the Thunder were the team to beat in the West. It also elevated a young Spurs group that continues to grow behind Victor Wembanyama.

Perkins did not stop here. He said, “I don’t pay attention to all this, they don’t have experience to talk about.” “They’re going to have home court advantage all the way to the conference finals.” His confidence reflects how San Antonio has played. The energy is real. Trust is being built.

Victor Vembanyama sits at the center of it all. Perkins praised his development as a complete power forward. “I like how he’s found that balance… first of all being a big guy, then being a guy who is a star and a leader in his role,” he said. Growth is visible every night.

However, Spurs are not dependent on any one player. Stephen Cassel has developed into a steady facilitator. Their two-man chemistry continues to improve. “Having Stephen Cassel, they have that,” Perkins explained, pointing to their playoff-ready connection.

Meanwhile, veterans like Harrison Barnes and De’Aaron Fox bring experience and composure. This system is based on what Perkins called “agenda free basketball”. Anyone can move forward. Any moment can change.

So as the race to the NBA Finals heats up, one question now looms large: Are the Spurs really ready to prove Kendrick Perkins right and defeat the Thunder when it matters most?

On Monday evening, the Boston Celtics continued their winning ways with a narrow home win over the Phoenix Suns. The Celtics were led by Jaylen Brown, who scored an impressive 41 points on the evening, while Jayson Tatum also remains in form amid his return from an Achilles tear.

Recently, ESPN NBA analyst and former Celtics great Kendrick Perkins expressed his thoughts in “First Take” on why Boston should be viewed as the favorite to come out of the Eastern Conference this year.

“The Boston Celtics are coming off the Eastern Conference. … The way Jayson Tatum has looked since returning from that Achilles injury … I see [them] And I’m saying that’s what this couple has proven right here,” Perkins said, according to X, formerly @lockedupjb on Twitter.

In fact, Tatum and Brown have a plethora of playoff experience, both positive and negative, on their resumes, capped by their championship run in the 2024 season, in which Brown won NBA Finals MVP honors.

Meanwhile, Tatum isn’t looking like the full version of himself right now, as should be expected as he recovers from Achilles surgery after nearly a year off, but Celtics fans should still be encouraged by how much progress he’s made from where he started a week ago against the Dallas Mavericks.

The Eastern Conference, despite its reputation, is loaded with talent this year, and Boston will have some challengers, including the Detroit Pistons and the team that beat them last year, the New York Knicks.

However, if Boston doesn’t suffer one of their infamous playoff meltdowns this year, the team clearly has the talent to compete with anyone, not just in the Eastern Conference, but in the entire NBA.

As the NBA world reacted to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder’s 129-126 win against All-Star Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets, ESPN’s Kendrick Perkins singled out the three-time MVP. For the second time in 10 days, the Thunder defeated Jokic and the Nuggets at home in another instant classic between the two leading MVP candidates.

According to Rod Trippin, according to Perkins, despite Jokic having another typical regular season, he is not in tip-top shape.

“I don’t believe Jokic is in the best shape, and he’s still putting up these stats,” Perkins said. “I believe Jokic needs to be in better shape because remember, when Jokic was at his best, we saw him running up those stairs in the offseason before the championship, watching all the videos. He looked more ripped, he was cut, and he was playing on both sides of the basketball.”

For Perkins, Jokic was more effective on the defensive end of the floor, especially during the Nuggets’ championship run in 2023.

Perkins said, “I’m just saying that everyone has been waiting for the Joker to take this turn.” “And it seems like we haven’t seen it defensively.”

Jokic’s triple-double (32 points, 13 assists, 14 rebounds) led four Nuggets players to reach double figures, including starter Aaron Gordon (23 points, 10 rebounds) in his second game back from a hamstring injury. Tim Hardaway Jr. connected on eight threes en route to 28 points off the bench, and Jamal Murray added 21 points, eight rebounds and six assists.

The Nuggets will look to bounce back when they host the Rockets on Wednesday.

Nikola Jokic gives flowers to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander after defeat

After losing to the Thunder for the second time in 10 days, Nuggets All-Star Nikola Jokic gave his flowers to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for breaking Wilt Chamberlain’s 63-year-old record in Monday’s loss. The Thunder have an edge in the Western Conference rivalry, which could continue into the postseason. Jokic recently reaffirmed his loyalty to the Nuggets, calling it his home.

After Gilgeous-Alexander’s historic night, Jokic had to remind reporters how hard is it According to ESPN’s Anthony Slater, it is no easy feat for a player to score 20+ points in 126 consecutive games, breaking a 60+ year-old record.

“I don’t know if people realize how hard it is to do that. To score 20 points in 10 (straight) games, not 120, no matter what, it’s special. He’s a special player,” Jokic said. “It’s a pleasure and a privilege to play against him.”

Nikola Jokic ties Wilt with 126 consecutive 20-point games at SGA

“I don’t know if people realize how hard it is to do that. To score 20 points in 10 (straight) games, not 120, whatever, it’s special. He’s a special player.” pic.twitter.com/YMSWvXGbhj

– Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) 10 March 2026

Gilgeous-Alexander’s unforgettable night undoubtedly gives him a significant lead over Jokic in this year’s MVP race.

Former NBA center Kendrick Perkins believes the New Orleans Pelicans should consider a major decision involving Zion Williamson this offseason, suggesting that the franchise evaluate potential trade offers for the former No. 1 overall pick.

Perkins shared his perspective during a recent episode of The Road Trippin’ Show, where he discussed Williamson’s recent improved availability and the Pelicans’ long-term direction.

“If I’m the Pelicans, I’d definitely shop around this offseason to see what kind of assets I can get back,” Perkins said.

“So, with this sample size of Zion, he’s not only helping the Pelicans, but I believe he’s helping himself. And I think it’s too late now…to try to rekindle this relationship and make it work and say he’s going to be our guy?”

The 25-year-old Williamson has delivered one of the healthiest seasons of his NBA career. He recently played 35 consecutive games, the longest such streak of his professional tenure, which has helped change the narrative about his durability.

In 47 games this season, including 40 starts, Williamson is averaging 21.6 points, 5.9 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.1 steals per game. He is shooting 58.7 percent from the field and 25 percent from three-point range while playing 29.6 minutes per contest.

“If I’m the Pelicans, I’ll definitely shop him this offseason to see what kind of assets I can get back… It’s too late to restart this relationship.”

Kendrick Perkins thinks New Orleans should trade Zion Williamson

(via @RoadTrippinShow)pic.twitter.com/T4BJBdrjae

– ClutchPoints (@clutchpoints) 6 March 2026

Despite Williamson’s individual production, the Pelicans have struggled to translate that performance into consistent team success. New Orleans currently sits in 13th place in the Western Conference standings with a 20-44 record, which raises questions about the organization’s long-term roster construction.

Kendrick Perkins questions Zion Williamson’s long-term future with Pelicans

Perkins acknowledged Williamson’s progress this season but questioned whether the forward should remain the centerpiece of the franchise moving forward.

“Do I believe Zion can go and help and be a man for somebody? Absolutely,” Perkins said.

“Like, I believe he can be a second or third option to the main option, but he’s not a cornerstone where you really want to build your franchise.”

Perkins also credited Williamson for reshaping the conversation around his professionalism and accountability during the current season.

Perkins said, “But I believe Zion has changed the story about him.” “Shout out to him because accountability means having tough conversations with people in his circle, leaving some people in his circle, going under Bill Duffy’s wing, and being able to have that level of accountability.”

The Pelicans have not publicly indicated any intention to move Williamson, who remains one of the league’s most talented offensive players even when healthy. However, the team’s record and long-term trajectory could impact how the front office moves forward in the upcoming offseason.

For now, New Orleans is focused on finishing the season. The Pelicans are scheduled to conclude a six-game road trip on Friday night when they face the Phoenix Suns (35-27) at 9:00 pm ET.

Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum may be close to making his return to the lineup, and former Celtics center Kendrick Perkins believes the rest of the league should take notice.

Tatum was upgraded to questionable ahead of Boston’s Friday matchup against the Dallas Mavericks, the first time he has earned that designation this season since suffering an Achilles injury last year. The development has sparked renewed discussion about Boston’s championship outlook as the forward moves into the final stages of his recovery.

Perkins addressed Tatum’s potential return during the latest episode of The Road Trippin’ Show, explaining that he believes Boston becomes significantly more dangerous once the All-Star forward re-enters the rotation.

“If you hear Tatum coming back you have to be scared. They’re playing with house money. They have the most championship experience in the Eastern Conference. If I’m Tatum, and these five-on-fives are going well, damn it, I’m coming back. Because look every player is different. I’m not blaming it on the players, but as we all know as athletes when you get injured, as a player you “Being aware of who you are, accountability and what you do and what you put into your body speeds up the healing process.”

Perkins also shared details he said came from Celtics assistant coach Sam Cassell regarding Tatum’s approach to rehab.

“There are two things I know about Jason Tatum: He doesn’t smoke and he doesn’t drink. Sam Cassel told me during this whole process that they literally had to tell him no, you can’t come today. Give us Sunday off. We’ve been with you six days a week, twice a day. You can’t come today.”

Celtics call Jayson Tatum ‘most dangerous team’ as he nears return

Perkins concluded by emphasizing how motivated Tatum could be to see Boston continue to compete near the top of the Eastern Conference standings.

“This team feels like they can go and they’ve got a chance. It’s unexpected when you have that window. Jayson Tatum is on the outside looking in, he’s eager to get back on the floor. They’re the most dangerous team in the league.”

Tatum finished the 2024–25 season averaging 26.8 points, 8.7 rebounds, six assists and 1.1 steals per game, while shooting 45.2% from the field and 34.3% from 3-point range in 72 appearances. He averaged 36.4 minutes per contest before suffering an Achilles injury during Boston’s second-round playoff loss to the New York Knicks last May.

Despite Tatum’s absence this season, Boston remains among the top teams in the conference. Jaylen Brown has led this effort, and has had a career-best campaign, guiding the Celtics to a 41-21 record and the No. 2 seed in the East.

Brown averaged 28.9 points, 7.2 rebounds, five assists and one steal per game, while shooting 48% from the field and 34.8% from 3-point range in 55 games.

The Celtics will look to bounce back from Wednesday’s 118-89 loss to the Charlotte Hornets when they host Dallas on Friday at 7:00 p.m. on ESPN. Boston will then begin a three-game road trip against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday at 1:00 PM ET on ABC.

With Tatum’s potential return, Boston’s postseason outlook could soon take another significant step forward.

Former NBA center Kendrick Perkins criticized Steve Kerr following the Golden State Warriors’ decision to trade Jonathan Kuminga to the Atlanta Hawks.

Speaking on the latest episode of the Road Trippin’ Show, Perkins questioned Kerr’s confidence in Kuminga’s ability after the 23-year-old’s strong debut in Atlanta.

“We knew Jonathan Kuminga’s ceiling was high. Steph Curry knew it, Draymond Green knew it, Jimmy Butler knew it. The only guy who didn’t believe it was Steve Kerr.”

The Warriors dealt Kuminga and Buddy Hield to Atlanta in exchange for Kristaps Porzingis, a move that reshaped Golden State’s roster as it attempts to remain competitive in the Western Conference. Kuminga, the No. 7 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, had shown flashes of his athleticism and scoring ability during his time with Golden State, but often played up-and-down minutes within Kerr’s rotation.

Since joining the Hawks, Kuminga has provided immediate production. Through three games – including one start – he is averaging 21.3 points, 6.1 rebounds and 2.6 assists in 26.7 minutes per contest. He has shot 67.7% from the field, 55.6% from three-point range and 77.3% from the free-throw line during that period.

Jonathan Kuminga’s fast start with Hawks prompts scrutiny of Warriors’ decision

Atlanta has won all three games with Kuminga in the lineup, highlighted by a 135-101 win over the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday. The Hawks improved to 31–31 on the season and are currently ninth in the Eastern Conference standings.

Perkins’ comments show that several prominent Warriors, including Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, believed in Kuminga’s rise. His comments defined the trade as a missed opportunity for Golden State to further develop the youth within their system.

Meanwhile, the Warriors (31-30) have suffered two consecutive losses, including a 114-101 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday after blowing a 17-point lead. Golden State continues to search for stability as it slips in the Western Conference standings.

As Kuminga has had early success in Atlanta, the trade has drawn renewed scrutiny, with Perkins openly questioning whether Kerr had maximized the forward’s role before the organization moved on.

Kevin Durant is coming off a historic 40-point performance that led the Houston Rockets to a 113-108 win over the Orlando Magic on Thursday. He is regularly viewed as one of the best net scorers in league history. On Saturday, Kendrick Perkins took those claims a little further by comparing Durant to 35-time Grammy Award winner Beyoncé.

During the latest segment of ESPN’s “First Take,” Perkins claimed the 37-year-old forward is the greatest scorer in league history. The former center turned NBA analyst says there are no flaws in Durant’s game, which is why the Rockets star is similar to Beyoncé.

“[Kevin Durant is] “The greatest scorer to ever play the game of basketball,” Perkins said. When you talk about someone who has zero flaws, it’s Beyoncé on the aggressive end. He is innocent… There are no holes in his game.”

“[Kevin Durant is] The greatest scorer to ever play the game of basketball… When you talk about a guy who has zero flaws, he’s Beyoncé on the offensive end… There’s no flaws in his game.’

– Kendrick Perkins 🤔

(via @FirstTech)pic.twitter.com/wqeycSMGly

– ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) 28 February 2026

Although he is in his 18th NBA season, Kevin Durant is still lighting up the scoreboard. He’s a legitimate threat from anywhere on the floor, and it’s hard to disagree with Kendrick Perkins’ sentiment. Especially after watching Durant record 40 points on 50.0% shooting and 10 of 10 from the free-throw line against the Magic.

In 55 games played so far this season, the 16-time All-Star is averaging 26.1 points, 5.4 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game. He also has a 50.8% field goal percentage, while shooting 40.2% from beyond the three-point line.

Durant will have another opportunity to showcase his skills on Saturday when the Rockets take on the Miami Heat on the road. The game is scheduled to begin at 3:30 PM EST.

Despite high expectations heading into the 2025-26 campaign, ESPN’s Kendrick Perkins doesn’t see a deep playoff run for the Houston Rockets. Head coach Ime Udoka calling out the Rockets’ Amen Thompson is another example of the issue that has plagued Houston’s season, preventing the team from reaching its full potential.

Perkins doesn’t expect this from the Rockets make it out he said about the opening round of the playoffs, according to ESPN’s First Take.

“The Rockets are going home in the first round,” Perkins said. “Number one, they lack high basketball-IQ. Number two, they’ve lost their identity defensively. They used to be a defensive-minded team. I don’t know what happened. Number three, they play individual, selfish basketball.”

Without a fluid offense, the Rockets would not be able to advance to the second round. And for Perkins, Thompson isn’t the only Rockets player with a selfless approach to the offense.

Perkins said, “There are times when you look at Amen Thompson. He wants to be one-on-one. Show the world he can go get buckets.” “There is no structure to his crime – it’s the same with Sengun.”

“They play personal, selfish basketball…they’ll [Houston Rockets] Will be sent home in the first round. “I guarantee you that.”

Kendrick Perkins doesn’t think the Rockets will make it out of the first round of the playoffs 😳

(via @FirstTech)
pic.twitter.com/koTVUHsw02

– ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) 23 February 2026

However, above all, what bothers Kendrick Perkins the most is that the Rockets did not try to make a deal for Milwaukee Bucks All-Star Giannis Antetokounmpo at the trade deadline.

Ime Udoka calls out Amen Thompson of Rockets

If it’s not Rockets All-Star Kevin Durant’s social media accusations, it’s coach Ime Udoka’s call to Amen Thompson that had the Rockets in the news last week. According to Kelly Echo of The Athletic, Udoka said he stopped moving when the ball got into Thompson’s hands.

“The ball stopped moving, started getting a lot of separation. Same story – we’ve lost too many games like that. I’m telling Amen and Reed to be more demonstrative and get us into our sets; this is not the time to freestyle. Turnovers hurt, but bad offense hurts just as bad.”

The Rockets will look to bounce back from a 108-106 loss to the Knicks when they host the Jazz on Monday.

The Golden State Warriors got back into the win column with an impressive win over the Denver Nuggets at home on Sunday afternoon. Despite trailing for much of the second half, the Warriors were able to turn up the heat late and ultimately win 128–117 despite Stephen Curry being out of the lineup.

Recently, ESPN personality Kendrick Perkins raised eyebrows during his appearance on the Road Trippin’ Podcast when he said the Warriors should give up in 2025-26 and shut down Curry for the remainder of the season due to Draymond Green’s lack of production in the recent game against the Boston Celtics.

Now, Green himself has responded to those comments on The Draymond Green Show, produced by Audacy.

“We played great players, and we got clips of them. So you know, bad plays are going to happen every once in a while,” Green said. “…Be careful listening to the little kids out there who are trying to make it, because it’s garbage a lot of the time… You know how to have a bad game. I can promise you, Big Perk. I don’t care where you were at the end of your game.”

In fact, Perkins had several bad games toward the end of his playing career. Meanwhile, Green has seen a steady decline in production over the past few seasons, but he is still one of the smartest players in the game today, and remains a staple of the Warriors’ defense.

At this point, it’s hard to envision the Warriors competing for anything meaningful this season, even if Curry returns fully healthy, as Jimmy Butler is already out for the remainder of the season, and trade acquisition Kristaps Porzingis is already dealing with an illness.

However, at this point, it doesn’t seem like the Warriors are seriously considering following Perkins’ advice and locking up their franchise leader.

The Boston Celtics came out of the All-Star break with another blowout win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday as they continued their West Coast trip. The win came as the team awaits further updates on injured star Jayson Tatum, who many doubt can return any time soon this season.

However, one person who thinks the Celtics can reach their goal this season regardless of whether Tatum is in the lineup is former ESPN big man Kendrick Perkins, who recently took to First Take to express his thoughts.

“They can go to the NBA Finals without [Jayson] Tatum. … They’re the most dangerous team in the NBA because they have no expectations,” Perkins, formerly of First Take on X, said via Twitter.

Perkins also said that Boston has “the best two-way player in the game in Jaylen Brown, because no other player in the league is doing what he is doing in terms of being top five in scoring and top five defensively in opponent field goal percentage.”

In fact, Brown is getting it done on both ends of the floor this year, although fans of Kawhi Leonard, Victor Wembanyama and many other players will strongly disagree with Perkins’ assessment.

Still, at this juncture, the Celtics are starting to look like a real threat even without Tatum in the lineup. There is a theory that Tatum’s hasty return this season could actually work against Boston’s 2025-26 plans, considering the team’s rhythm would be at least temporarily disrupted, and the fact that the star would have a lot of rust to shake off. Tatum also has not distinguished himself as a postseason performer so far in his career, which continued last year against the New York Knicks.

In any case, the Celtics’ road trip continues on Tuesday against the Phoenix Suns.

Kendrick Perkins made a bold move on what the Golden State Warriors should do with Stephen Curry for the rest of the 2025-26 NBA season.

Curry is halfway through the 17th season of his remarkable career. Having won four titles in that span, Curry is expected to compete for a fifth ring as he moves into the latter stages of his time in the league.

Golden State has struggled to reach the top of the mountain since their last title in 2022. Even though the franchise has taken steps to keep the roster in the playoff race this season, former player and current NBA analyst Kendrick Perkins has made a pointed request to the organization regarding Curry’s availability this season.

“Shut up Steph. Let those guys play it out. See if guys fit in. Right now I would let the rest of the Warriors team outside of Steph play this season and audition to see if they want to be here. How do you want to be here? By performing at a high level,” Perkins said at the 12:21 mark of the Road Trippin’ Podcast.

“This offseason is probably one of the most important offseasons this franchise has had since Steph has been a part of the franchise. Because he needs to go out. Mike Dunleavy has to do his job and make sure he goes and gets the pieces so that Steph has a legitimate shot to compete for an NBA title next year.”

Stephen Curry, what’s next for the Warriors

Stephen Curry still has plenty of potential to do big in his career. The Warriors need to make the most of his remaining years before making this a career.

Curry continues to excel as Golden State’s top star in year 17. Across 39 games, he averaged 27.2 points, 4.8 assists and 3.5 rebounds per game.

Golden State has a 30–27 record on the season, finishing in eighth place in the Western Conference standings. They are above the Los Angeles Clippers and Portland Trail Blazers, while trailing the Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Lakers.

After an upset win over the Denver Nuggets on Sunday, the Warriors will be eager for their next matchup. They are on the road when they face the New Orleans Pelicans on February 24th at 8 PM ET.

The Golden State Warriors fell to 29-27 after a 121-110 loss to the Boston Celtics on Thursday night, and former NBA center Kendrick Perkins believes the loss underscores a bigger reality: The championship window may be closed with Stephen Curry out.

Perkins shared his stance during Friday’s broadcast of First Take, arguing that Golden State’s inability to make a major roster upgrade has effectively ended its title aspirations.

“Steph Curry actually had a chance to win another championship in Golden State, those days are over. His only hope was to be aggressive and try to get Giannis Antetokounmpo and from my understanding the Bucks didn’t want any part of what they were trying to offer. Because I heard they were trying to include Draymond Green in the deal, that probably ruined the whole deal. Milwaukee probably said we were too good for that kind of dollar.” Are.”

Perkins continued to question the team’s current roster construction and future flexibility.

“So when you think about where they are and what would be available on the market for them – we don’t know about Jimmy Butler and how old he would be for us after his ACL injury. Draymond Green is accomplished when it comes to really being a guy that can give you real production, especially with the dollars he’s making. He’s not delivering… It’s a shame because Steph Curry is playing at an all-time high level.”

“Those days of Steph Curry actually having a chance to win another championship at Golden State, those days are over.”

– Kendrick Perkins 👀

(via @FirstTech)
pic.twitter.com/WSPwaCbNTz

– ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) 20 February 2026

Kendrick Perkins links Warriors’ title concerns to injuries, West competition

Perkins later emphasized the competitive landscape within the Western Conference.

“What friends? [are] What’s going to be free is that you can pair up with Steph who is really going to move the needle? Because I say this: SGA, he’s not going anywhere, Anthony Edwards is not going anywhere, Wembley, Jokic, all these guys, Luka, are still in the Western Conference. So, not being able to go get Giannis and see the production around him right now, the pieces he’s got are dead birds in the tall grass. Those days of Steph winning championships in Golden State are over.”

Questions over Golden State’s roster have intensified following Jimmy Butler III’s torn ACL injury last month, an injury that has clouded the team’s short-term outlook. Butler was viewed internally as a key veteran capable of providing postseason experience and a two-way impact upon his return the following season.

The 37-year-old Curry has continued to produce at a high level despite the team’s uneven results. He averaged 27.2 points, 4.8 assists, 3.5 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game, while shooting 46.8% from the field and 39.1% from three in 39 appearances. However, Curry has been sidelined since January 30 after suffering a right knee injury during a 131–124 loss to the Detroit Pistons. The Warriors announced he would be reevaluated in 10 days.

At the trade deadline, Golden State made a notable move by acquiring Kristaps Porzingis from the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield, indicating a desire to rearrange the roster. Additionally, the Warriors remain in eighth place in the Western Conference standings.

Golden State concludes its four-game homestand Sunday afternoon against the Denver Nuggets (35-21) at 12:30 p.m. PT on ABC. Whether Perkins’ announcement proves premature or prophetic will depend on how the rebuilt roster responds once Curry returns and the postseason picture becomes clearer.

The Golden State Warriors fell to 29-27 after a 121-110 loss to the Boston Celtics on Thursday night, and former NBA center Kendrick Perkins believes the loss underscores a bigger reality: The championship window may be closed with Stephen Curry out.

Perkins shared his stance during Friday’s broadcast of First Take, arguing that Golden State’s inability to make a major roster upgrade has effectively ended its title aspirations.

“Steph Curry actually had a chance to win another championship in Golden State, those days are over. His only hope was to be aggressive and try to get Giannis Antetokounmpo and from my understanding the Bucks didn’t want any part of what they were trying to offer. Because I heard they were trying to include Draymond Green in the deal, that probably ruined the whole deal. Milwaukee probably said we were too good for that kind of dollar.” Are.”

Perkins continued to question the team’s current roster construction and future flexibility.

“So when you think about where they are and what would be available on the market for them – we don’t know about Jimmy Butler and how old he would be for us after his ACL injury. Draymond Green is accomplished when it comes to really being a guy that can give you real production, especially with the dollars he’s making. He’s not delivering… It’s a shame because Steph Curry is playing at an all-time high level.”

“Those days of Steph Curry actually having a chance to win another championship at Golden State, those days are over.”

– Kendrick Perkins 👀

(via @FirstTech)
pic.twitter.com/WSPwaCbNTz

– ClutchPoints (@clutchpoints) 20 February 2026

Kendrick Perkins links Warriors’ title concerns to injuries, West competition

Perkins later emphasized the competitive landscape within the Western Conference.

“What friends? [are] What’s going to be free is that you can pair up with Steph who is really going to move the needle? Because I say this: SGA, he’s not going anywhere, Anthony Edwards is not going anywhere, Wembley, Jokic, all these guys, Luka, are still in the Western Conference. So, not being able to go get Giannis and see the production around him right now, the pieces he’s got are dead birds in the tall grass. Those days of Steph winning championships in Golden State are over.”

Questions over Golden State’s roster have intensified following Jimmy Butler III’s torn ACL injury last month, an injury that has clouded the team’s short-term outlook. Butler was viewed internally as a key veteran capable of providing postseason experience and a two-way impact upon his return the following season.

The 37-year-old Curry has continued to produce at a high level despite the team’s uneven results. He averaged 27.2 points, 4.8 assists, 3.5 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game, while shooting 46.8% from the field and 39.1% from three in 39 appearances. However, Curry has been sidelined since January 30 after suffering a right knee injury during a 131–124 loss to the Detroit Pistons. The Warriors announced he would be reevaluated in 10 days.

At the trade deadline, Golden State made a notable move by acquiring Kristaps Porzingis from the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield, indicating a desire to rearrange the roster. Additionally, the Warriors remain in eighth place in the Western Conference standings.

Golden State concludes its four-game homestand Sunday afternoon against the Denver Nuggets (35-21) at 12:30 p.m. PT on ABC. Whether Perkins’ announcement proves premature or prophetic will depend on how the rebuilt roster responds once Curry returns and the postseason picture becomes clearer.

The Orlando Magic have been a major disappointment this year, currently sitting at 28-25 as they prepare to return from the All-Star break. The Magic pushed all of their chips to the center of the table in the offseason by trading for Memphis Grizzlies guard Desmond Benn, but so far, they don’t have much to show for it.

One of the biggest culprits for the Magic’s decline has been the play of Paolo Banchero, who has largely lagged behind so far this season.

Recently, former NBA great Kendrick Perkins put a harsh label on Banchero on ESPN’s NBA Today.

“I’ll go a little further and say Paolo Banchero has been the most disappointing player-wise,” Perkins, formerly of the NBA on ESPN, said on Twitter.

While Banchero still has a lot of natural talent, many fans have grown tired of his poor shot selection, occasional lapses in defense, and overall lack of progress from his rookie year.

This, along with persistent injury concerns for the Magic, especially to co-star Franz Wagner, has Orlando currently sitting in a play-in position in the East, well below where most pundits projected them to be at this point in the season.

Of course, Orlando still has plenty of time to turn things around, and it’s unlikely that Banchero can improve his basketball IQ and decision-making as his career progresses. However, for now, he is hoping to avoid following the career path of players like Ja Morant, who received accolades early in his career before slowly slipping into obscurity.

In any case, the Magic will next take the field on Thursday evening when they begin their West Coast trip against the Sacramento Kings, their first game since the All-Star break. Tipoff is scheduled for 10:00 pm ET.

With Miami Heat forward Keshad Johnson winning the 2026 Slam Dunk Contest, there is still some discussion going on about the event and the changes that should be made to it. As people wonder what the future of the Slam Dunk Contest will look like, former player Kendrick Perkins has a request for the league.

Perkins didn’t hold back on his feelings toward the event on Saturday, saying the Slam Dunk Contest was a “disgrace” and “terrible.” He believes the addition of big-name players will help fix this, the three players he mentioned are Anthony Edwards, Ja Morant and Victor Wembanyama.

Perkins said, “That was an embarrassment. If there was one thing that was an embarrassing moment for All-Star Weekend, that dunk contest was terrible.” “And I wouldn’t say that … and I would sit here today and say the Dunk Contest doesn’t need to go anywhere, but it needs to be fixed. And the only way you fix it is you need bigger, top players, bigger names, Anthony Edwards, Ja Morant. Hey, I’d even like to see Wembey go seven-on-seven.”

“He was an embarrassment. … The only way you fix it is you need big-time players … Anthony Edwards, Ja Morant — I’d like to see Wembley in it, too.”

Kendrick Perkins wraps up this year’s dunk contest at NBA All-Star Weekend 😳pic.twitter.com/8912v95Mtf

– ClutchPoints (@clutchpoints) 16 February 2026

Kendrick Perkins compares the Slam Dunk Contest and the Three-Point Contest

While there were some viral moments on Saturday, such as Johnson winning the Slam Dunk Contest by helping rapper E-40 dunk, the excitement has been noticeably subdued. Perkins explained the difference between the event and the three-point contest, saying that stars compete there, with Damian Lillard winning his third title.

“The difference between the dunk contest and the three-point contest, the superstars and the stars, they participate in the three-point contest. We saw Dame Lillard… We need those big-name guys, Adam Silver and the NBA to do whatever they need to commit and get those guys to participate, damn it, get it done. It may cost a little salad, but make sure they make sure you get it done. Dunk Contest NBA and All-Star “It means a lot to the weekend.”

At any rate, it remains to be seen how the Slam Dunk Contest develops

肯德里克·帕金斯本週在《今日NBA》最新一期節目中做出了大膽的宣布，宣布聖安東尼奧馬刺隊球星維克多·溫班亞馬為NBA的新面孔。

帕金斯指出，馬刺隊的崛起和溫巴尼亞馬的影響力是他立場背後的核心原因。

「你想想馬刺隊現在正在做的事情，他們檢查了所有的方框：他們正在打精英級別的比賽……我們今天沒有向亞當·蕭華和NBA表示祝賀。他們實際上找到了NBA的新面孔。是的，維克多·溫班亞馬。他是NBA的新面孔，如果有人想和我爭論，我們可以爭論幾個小時或幾天，但你會輸掉這場爭論。」

“他們實際上找到了 NBA 的新面孔。是的，Victor Wembanyama……他想要這個。他勾選了那個框框。”

肯德里克·帕金斯談 NBA 的下一位超級巨星 👀

（透過 @ESPNNBA）pic.twitter.com/Ge35LJHmnC

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) 2026 年 2 月 12 日

帕金斯進一步闡述了他的推理，引用了溫班亞馬願意接受聚光燈並在球場上表現的意願。

「原因是這樣的：當你談論一個願意接受這個角色並體現這一角色的人時，他想要那樣。他勾選了那個框。當你談論一個將在高水平上表現並做我們以前從未見過的事情的人時，他會這樣做。當你談論一個將把屁股放在座位上的人時 – 不僅僅是在嬰兒床上，而且在客場競技場，他也會這樣做。」」

22 歲的溫班亞馬已經進入了他在 NBA 的第三個賽季，他將繼續帶領馬刺隊在西部聯盟的積分榜上不斷攀升。在 40 場比賽中，他場均上場 29 分鐘，得到 24.4 分、11.1 個籃板、2.8 次助攻、2.7 次蓋帽和 1 次搶斷，投籃命中率為 51.1%，三分命中率為 36.3%。

馬刺隊以 38 勝 16 負的戰績進入周末，穩居西部第二，並以六連勝的戰績迎接在洛杉磯 Intuit Dome 舉行的全明星慶祝活動。