Former NBA center and tournament winner with the 2008 Boston Celtics, Kendrick Perkins, has been a staple of the First Take since leaving the league. While his experience in the NBA is noteworthy, the player-turned-analyst has developed a notorious reputation behind the ESPN morning desk.
Perkins has routinely doubled down on competitions that aren’t too great—to say the least.
On the June 15 edition of the show, it was Perkins’ questionable turn during a discussion about Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant and his future. Perkins made his home court the perfect destination for the 23-year-old.
“I strongly believe it is time for Ja to change the landscape,” Perkins ushered. “I know Memphis Grizzlies fans will wake up with an uproar — I’m not attacking them. I’m just talking about Ja and his well-being and his future.”
“We just talked about the Miami Heat. I think that’s the culture and organization he should go for.”
Shake your head and exhale a laugh after your narrow smile – you’re not the only one.
Comments section on the first shot Instagram post The reactions on Twitter sang disappointment and laughter in unison. Need I mention the obvious?
Morant was suspended for a second time for firing a firearm on social media in May. The first incident occurred in March after a game against the Denver Nuggets. Both incidents were recorded on Instagram Live and raised questions about Morant’s future in the NBA.
Morant is no stranger to Florida. He used to play in the Miami NBA, and after his first gun incident, he got into a program in case of sunshine — a program that clearly didn’t help him with his problems. Given the lifestyle and the lure it can offer a young star, Miami is the last place Morant should be at this point.
Perkins did not back down. To be fair to him, he acknowledged the environment Morant would be in if he ended up with the Heat.
“I also know that when it comes to The Godfather, Pat Riley, nothing happens in that town in Miami without him knowing about it.”
The Miami Heat is a well-oiled machine. They’ve won three titles as a franchise and have reached the NBA Finals twice in the past four seasons with Erik Spoelstra and their squad of players. While Perkins is right about Pat Riley’s stewardship of the team, is the drama Morant bringing what they need now?
This would be a great idea if Morant didn’t carry all that baggage around. The idea of Morant, Jimmy Butler, and Pam Adebayo on Earth together has smash hit written all over it. But the severity of Morant’s mistakes cannot be brushed under the rug. Yes, Riley, Spoelstra, and Udonis Haslem would be great mentors to be around a young star going through some struggles. Yes, we hope Morant finally learns from his mistakes and turns over a new leaf as his basketball star grows. But moving him to a city like Miami is a massive gamble.
Fool me once, you’ll get an eight match ban. Fooled me twice in less than two months, the league commissioner is keeping the basketball world waiting to hear about Morant’s punishment. What follows is still a mystery.
Most fans would agree that a change of scenery would benefit Morant. And by that we mean Utah or Oklahoma City. We may disagree with Perkins, but we appreciate him for keeping it interesting.