Former NBA player Kendrick Perkins has taken a shot at Hall of Famer Charles Barkley, who recently labeled Kevin Durant as “very sensitive” and claimed that he is “part of that generation who thinks he can’t be criticized.” Perkins has sided with Durant and called out Barkley for being jealous of the Phoenix Suns superstar. According to Perkins, Barkley’s constant criticism of Durant is simply “old head hating on a young Kevin Durant.”
“We’re talking about arguably the greatest scorer to ever play the damn game of basketball,” Perkins said. He further questioned why Barkley’s name is always in Durant’s mouth when it comes to the decisions he makes or things of that nature. Perkins added, “So at this point, I’m standing with KD. Like, why? Why, bro? Why am I living rent-free in your head if I’m Kevin Durant to Charles Barkley? Why? Why?”
Kendrick Perkins Defends Kevin Durant and Criticizes Charles Barkley’s Comments
Perkins‘ strong words come as no surprise given his history with Durant. The two former teammates have had their own fair share of on-air and social media wars. However, in this particular instance, Perkins is unequivocal in his support for Durant and in his criticism of Barkley.
The controversy began when Barkley made comments about Durant during a recent segment on “Inside the NBA.” Barkley suggested that Durant is very sensitive and that he cannot handle criticism. Durant responded to Barkley’s comments with a savage shot of his own, saying that he will “never respect the words that come out ya mouth.”
Durant is widely regarded as one of the greatest scorers in NBA history, having won four scoring titles in his career. He has also won two NBA championships and two Finals MVP awards. Durant’s accomplishments have earned him a place among the game’s all-time greats, and his status as one of the best scorers ever is beyond dispute.
K3vP3@rk pic.twitter.com/3Pt5eZo0nz
— Diamond Dog (@DiamondDogzzz) April 3, 2023
Perkins’ comments reflect a growing sentiment among NBA fans and analysts who believe that Barkley’s criticisms of Durant are unjustified and motivated by jealousy. It remains to be seen how Barkley will respond to Perkins’ comments, but one thing is for sure: the ongoing war of words between Barkley and Durant is far from over.
The Dynamic Duo: Durant and Perkins’ Playing Days Together
In their playing days, Kevin Durant and Kendrick Perkins were teammates on the Oklahoma City Thunder for three seasons, from 2010 to 2013. The two formed a dynamic duo on the court, with Durant’s scoring prowess and Perkins’ defensive toughness complementing each other perfectly.
Durant and Perkins helped lead the Thunder to the NBA Finals in 2012, where they fell short against the Miami Heat. Despite the loss, their partnership was a key factor in the Thunder’s success during those years.
Off the court, Durant and Perkins have had their share of differences, with several public spats in recent years. However, their time together on the court remains a highlight of their respective careers.
While Perkins has since retired from basketball, Durant continues to dominate the league as one of its best players. But for Thunder fans, the memories of the Durant-Perkins partnership will live on as one of the most memorable eras in the team’s history.
