“Fading that. They’re missing one more piece. I think they’re missing that dominant big. KAT is decent, he’s good for what he’s good for, but they need someone who can really block it and give them a presence on the offensive end as well as the defensive end,” Mario Chalmers said, via All In.

Mario Chalmers’ remarks resonated with Knicks fans, yet the team remains intent on securing its cornerstone players, Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns. The pressing issue is its competitive edge. Despite last season’s strong showing, the team showcased its need for substantial investment to enhance its standing and make a deeper playoff run, especially as main rivals continue to strengthen their rosters.

In the offseason, the Knicks bolstered their roster with veterans Jordan Clarkson and Malcolm Brogdon, adding valuable depth to the bench. However, questions persist about their competitiveness due to a shortage of standout players on both ends of the court. The most intriguing move, however, remains the appointment of Mike Brown as head coach, tasked with steering the team back to top-contender status.

Former Celtics star Kendrick Perkins disagrees with Chalmers’ take on Knicks’ contender status

Mario Chalmers’ critique of the Knicks has garnered significant support, but Kendrick Perkins provides an alternative view on their prospects for the 2025-26 season. The former Boston Celtics standout delivers a compelling analysis of Mike Brown’s roster, highlighting a crucial detail that could redefine expectations.

“To me, they are the best team in the Eastern Conference. We know that the Celtics are somewhat in rebuild mode. The Cavs, I don’t trust them. I trust ‘Big Body Brunson’ as the leader of that ball club. And they’ve addressed the issues that they needed to address. You go and you get some bench players that’s going to come in and play their role and still keeping your entire core together,” Kendrick Perkins said, via ESPN.

Following their most successful season in 25 years, the Knicks’ best move seems to be maintaining their roster as Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns draw interest from other teams. To reclaim their status as a top contender, they must replicate or exceed last season’s standout individual performances while ensuring championship-level defensive support.

Former Oklahoma City Thunder center Kendrick Perkins has now weighed in on the saga, offering a blunt reality check for Kuminga. Perkins, who has become known for his outspoken takes, did not hold back while addressing the situation. His comments added even more intrigue to a story that already has fans closely watching Golden State’s every move.

Appearing on NBA Today, Perkins made it clear what he believes the Warriors really think of the 24-year-old forward. He said Kuminga should understand the message being sent by how the team has handled him. The former center didn’t mince words in saying this is a sign that Golden State does not value Kuminga as highly as he may believe.

“I don’t know if Jonathan Kuminga watches NBA Today, but they don’t want you, dawg. They don’t value you because if they did, you wouldn’t be going through this. And it started last season — Steve Kerr showed you how he felt about you,” Perkins said, making his stance perfectly clear on national television.

It might be tough to build a lineup around Kuminga

Perkins referred to how Steve Kerr removed Kuminga from the rotation last season, even after he recovered from injury. Jimmy Butler’s arrival further complicated things, leaving the 22-year-old struggling to carve out a regular role. Kuminga never truly settled back into a consistent place in the lineup, which has led to uncertainty about his long-term future.

Golden State did experiment with a Butler-Green-Kuminga trio, but the results were far from encouraging. That combination posted a minus-24.9 net rating in the 38 minutes it was on the floor, a number that raised questions about its viability. Perkins argued that this is why the team is hesitant to commit long-term money to Kuminga.

“When you look at this situation, it could create turmoil in the locker room if you bring him back at $7.9 million because he’s gonna go out there and play for himself,” Perkins said. “It’s hard for me to tell a guy not to go get his numbers because I know he wants to get paid, but that’s exactly what this could turn into if things don’t change.”

On ESPN, Kendrick Perkins named Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, and Kyrie Irving as the NBA’s top skilled players today. His list notably leaves out standout player like LeBron James and Luka Doncic, both known for showcasing not only impressive stats but also extraordinary skills game after game.

LeBron, despite approaching 40, remains one of the NBA‘s most intelligent and versatile players, excelling in creativity, scoring, and defense. He remains a key figure for the Lakers. Though past his career peak, James recently finished among the top six for the MVP award, outperforming well-known players like Stephen Curry and Anthony Edwards.

Even though Perkins’ top five selections surprised some fans, they hold merit. Shai delivered an outstanding season by keeping a scoring average of 32.7 points per game, while Nikola Jokic’s triple-double average underscored his dominance. Despite not having career-best stats, Durant and Curry remain game-changers, with their veteran presence and exceptional scoring and playmaking abilities leaving a lasting impact.

Is Kyrie Irving really one of the most skilled NBA players right now?

Kendrick Perkins stirred significant debate with his choice of Kyrie Irving among today’s most skilled NBA players. Unlike other selections, Irving’s inclusion raised eyebrows, largely due to his challenging season with the Dallas Mavericks. At 32, he experienced one of his most frustrating spells, compounded by an injury that capped his scoring at 24.7 points per game, his lowest average in seven years. Consequently, his placement on Perkins’ list caught many fans off guard.

Despite of the criticism, the 2008 NBA champion with Boston Celtics showcased his strong support towards Kyrie, stating, “The most skilled player to ever play the game of basketball. We know he got the handles, the post work. But it’s the finishing around the basket, playing below the rim, amongst the trees, nobody does it like Kyrie Irving.”

Kyrie Irving remains a standout player with an impressive career, yet other stars like Anthony Edwards, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Luka Doncic have delivered statistically superior seasons, showcasing stronger leadership for their teams. As Irving marks his anticipated return in mid-January of the 2025-26 season, expectations are soaring. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see him demonstrate his undeniable impact, especially in the 2026 NBA postseason.

The conversation surrounding mental health and other challenges in sports is a constant, heated discussion, especially as athletes increasingly confront criticism and public scrutiny about their performance and personal lives.

Discussing the adversity athletes face today, particularly with the direct access social media provides to fans and critics, Perkins weighed in with a bold comparison. He remarked on the trials faced by players from his playing days, drawing a parallel to the issues faced by current NBA stars.

“Mental health is real. Some players have to leave social media because they can’t handle it. Everyone is affected, much like in the early days when discrimination and other challenges were prevalent. I’m not trying to equate them; I’m simply saying that today’s athletes are dealing with new forms of adversity,“ Perkins commented on the Road Trippin’ podcast.

Upon hearing Perkins’ remarks, Durant succinctly replied, “Bad take.” Many NBA fans echoed Durant’s sentiment, criticizing Perkins’ comments as not accurately reflecting the widespread impact of social media on all sports due to its pervasive influence.

A recent, notable example of this pressure involves Bronny James, the son of NBA icon LeBron James. After joining the Los Angeles Lakers last season, Bronny was subject to harsh and sometimes offensive commentary about his performance, underscoring the intense scrutiny faced by young athletes today.

This barrage of negative comments prompted even LeBron to take a step back from social media to shield his son. Bronny chose to focus on improving his skills, but the situation sparked a broader debate involving LeBron and ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, leading to a high-profile confrontation before a Lakers game.

Given these challenges and the detrimental impact of social media on athletes and public figures, the ongoing debate about regulating harmful, discriminatory comments is something authorities in the sporting world should seriously consider addressing.

During a recent episode of the Road Trippin’ podcast, ESPN analyst and former NBA champion Kendrick Perkins named Barkley the best player ever to fall short of an NBA championship. “Charles Barkley was ahead of his time,” Perkins said. “He had that ball on a string. The handles, the stepbacks—just think about what he had to do. I think his career average was something like 22 and 11, and he did it against monsters. He was a monster himself, but I’m talking about legit seven-footers guarding him night in and night out.”

Barkley was one of the most impactful power forwards the league has ever seen. Over 16 seasons, he reached the playoffs 13 times but made it to the NBA Finals only once—where he ran into the decade’s most dominant dynasty.

Charles Barkley’s journey

Barkley is widely regarded as one of the most skilled and complete players in NBA history, even without a championship to his name. Nicknamed “Sir Charles,” he burst onto the scene in 1984 after being selected in the first round of the NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers. Despite standing just 6-foot-6, he made a name for himself with his relentless rebounding, elite scoring, and unorthodox ability to dominate from the power forward position.

After his time in Philadelphia, Barkley reached his peak with the Phoenix Suns, who acquired him in 1992. In his first season with the Suns, he won the league MVP award and led the team to the NBA Finals, where they faced off against Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls. Barkley averaged 27.3 points and 13 rebounds per game during the series, but even that wasn’t enough to overcome a Bulls team in the middle of their historic run.

Barkley later joined the Houston Rockets in the twilight of his career, teaming up with fellow stars Hakeem Olajuwon and Clyde Drexler—later replaced by Scottie Pippen—in a last-ditch effort to win a title. But injuries and a lack of chemistry derailed the Rockets’ plans, and Barkley never came as close to a championship again. He retired in 2000, ringless, but far from forgotten.

Despite the absence of a title, Barkley remains a revered figure in basketball. He was an 11-time All-Star, a member of the iconic Dream Team that won Olympic gold in Barcelona in 1992, and a 2006 inductee into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. His legacy lives on not only for what he accomplished on the court, but also for his candor and influence as a broadcaster in retirement. When the conversation turns to the greatest players never to win it all, Barkley is always at the top of the list—a generational talent who came within inches of finishing his career with the ultimate prize.

“Rudy is who he is…If Ben Wallace got into the Hall of Fame, Rudy is going to the Hall of Fame. I know Ben Wallace has a ring, but if you match them up side by side, when we are talking about accolades, both are four-time Defensive Player of the Year, that’s a huge f*****g impact. Rudy just got to get over that hump,” Kendrick Perkins said, via Road Trippin’ podcast.

Rudy often faces criticism for not being a physically dominant big man like legends such as Shaquille O’Neal, Tim Duncan, or Joel Embiid. However, while his style of play differs, he remains a transformative force for the Minnesota Timberwolves. Demonstrating his defensive prowess, he earned the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award in 2024, solidifying his status as one of the league’s premier defenders.

Former NBA player Richard Jefferson also fires back at Shaq over criticism of Rudy Gobert

Not only did Kendrick Perkins, but also Richard Jefferson, who weighed in on Shaquille O’Neal’s harsh critique of Rudy Gobert. On the Road Trippin’ podcast, he shared his thoughts, saying, “Yo, Shaq’s going to wear a dress to a ceremony? That is awesome… Rudy Gobert is going to be a Hall of Famer. There is a 99.8 percent chance he is going to be a Hall of Famer based off of his Defensive Player of the years. Like there are people that have less than have gotten it.”

At just 33, Rudy Gobert has some years left in his NBA career. He is committed to chasing the ever-elusive championship and continuing to add defensive accolades to his legacy. Though not Shaq’s favorite, the French star consistently proves his worth on the court. As a vital part of the Minnesota Timberwolves, he plays a pivotal role in complementing a team led by Anthony Edwards.

Rudy Gobert made offseason decision to boost impact with the Timberwolves

Rudy Gobert has consistently served as a defensive stalwart for the Minnesota Timberwolves. However, he is coming off a challenging scoring season, registering his lowest average in eight years. Over 72 games, he managed just 12 points per game—a statistic that, while not alarming, underscores room for growth. Determined to enhance his offensive contribution, he has committed to making strategic changes this off-season.

After opting out of EuroBasket 2025, Rudy has partnered with Chris Matthews, one of the premier scoring coaches globally. Matthews announced on X, formerly Twitter, that the Timberwolves star intends to refine his footwork and enhance his offensive reading. Though the results will emerge in the 2025-26 season, this decision highlights his commitment to the team’s pursuit of a championship alongside young talent Anthony Edwards.

“Steve Kerr, in my opinion, has a hard time of letting young guys be great. Right?…The only person that I’ve seen him wrap his arms around as a young guy is Podziemski. And Podziemski is going to have a long career as a role player. But when it comes down to guys elevating, and you see a guy that has the potential to be a franchise guy, Steve Kerr is holding these guys back. Why?,” Kendrick Perkins said, via Road Trippin’ podcast.

Throughout the 2024-25 NBA season, fans frequently criticized the Golden State Warriors for sidelining young talent. This was largely due to Jonathan Kuminga’s reduced playing time after Jimmy Butler joined the team. When injuries struck during the postseason, he had to rely on bench players. Nevertheless, their limited involvement throughout the season hampered their ability to perform effectively in critical moments.

Is Jonathan Kuminga’s uncertain future exposing Steve Kerr’s struggles with developing young talent?

Jonathan Kuminga started the 2024-25 season strongly, but the team’s dynamics shifted with Jimmy Butler’s arrival. The former Heat star’s addition reduced his starting lineup appearances significantly. Yet, he could shine in the postseason, stepping up amid injuries to Stephen Curry and Butler. With his contract expiring at season’s end, critics quickly targeted Steve Kerr for mishandling the youngster’s development.

Despite facing criticism from fans, the Golden State Warriors reportedly have compelling reasons for not extending a contract to Jonathan Kuminga. However, this decision has fueled fan speculation about Steve Kerr’s management of young talent. Some argue that his approach suggests a lack of confidence in the team’s emerging players, who are expected to eventually step up as replacements for the roster’s aging stars.

Report: Jonathan Kuminga’s future could still be in the Western Conference

Jonathan Kuminga may not have played as prominent a role as initially anticipated, but he has certainly showcased the skills needed for a promising NBA career. According to Kendrick Perkins, the young athlete possesses elite talent and remarkable athleticism, suggesting that he can be a game-changer. This potential has not gone unnoticed, as two Western Conference franchises have reportedly made concrete offers to acquire his services.

According to Shams Charania on ESPN, the Phoenix Suns and Sacramento Kings have made concrete offers for Jonathan Kuminga. Both franchises are reportedly offering the young star more minutes and a more prominent role on the roster. However, reports suggest that while Kuminga has not ruled out continuing with the Warriors, this remains the least likely option.

“I know it’s early for hot takes, but damn it, I’m going out on a limb early in this summertime and I’m gonna say I’m betting on Luka Doncic to win the MVP next season. This is the type of commitment that I wanna see from a great player like Luka,” Kendrick Perkins said, via ESPN.

According to Dan Woike of The Athletic, Luka has adopted a rigorous diet and cardio regimen, foregoing his typical vacation-filled offseason. While the specifics of his weight loss remain undisclosed, it appears he now weighs noticeably less than the 230 pounds listed during last season with the Lakers. Woike also noted that the Slovenian star aims to be in peak condition for EuroBasket, debuting on August 28 against Poland.

Luka Doncic quietly embracing JJ Redick’s ‘championship shape’ challenge ahead the new season

After Lakers’ elimination by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 2025 NBA playoffs, head coach JJ Redick expressed immense pride in his team. Despite initial doubts about his ability to quickly mesh the roster, he successfully integrated Dorian Finney-Smith and Luka Doncic, both of whom excelled and kept the team competitive. However, he did critique the team’s overall commitment to physical conditioning.

“I’ll start with the offseason and the work that’s required in an offseason to be in championship shape and we have a ways to go as a roster. And certainly there were individuals that were in phenomenal shape. There’s certainly other ones that could have been in better shape. It’s where my mind goes immediately is we have to get in championship shape,” JJ Redick said in the press conference.

Instead of taking these words as a direct attack, Doncic managed to motivate himself to get back into top physical shape. In the 2023-24 season, Luka had his best individual season, averaging 33.9 points and showing what he can be at his pick shape. Now, his task will be to maintain this physical condition for many years in the NBA, seeking to achieve dominance like Stephen Curry or LeBron James have done.

Luka Doncic’s first season with the Lakers was already a promising turning point

Despite facing criticism from various media outlets, Luka Doncic stayed focused on making an impact with the Los Angeles Lakers. Over 28 games, he averaged 28.2 points, surpassing Anthony Davis’ previous average of 25.2 points before his trade, proving himself as an exceptional player.

Not only did he excel in scoring but also in playmaking, with averages of 7.5 assists and 8.1 rebounds per game. While these stats are not his career best, they are impressive for JJ Redick’s team. If he maintains his new physical condition, Luka could become even more dominant in his quest for a championship and his first MVP award.

“If Anthony Edwards don’t reach the NBA Finals, he’s going to request a trade from Minnesota…$45M is not really at the top of the top, Bradley Beal is making $52M,” Kendrick Perkins said, via ESPN. While the Timberwolves have been able to build a promising roster, Anthony could be looking to win a championship as a priority, and that could take him away from the franchise if he does not get it.

With a youthful core featuring players like Jaden McDaniels and Naz Reid, both under 26, the Minnesota Timberwolves boast a promising future. Their potential is further elevated by seasoned veterans such as Julius Randle, Rudy Gobert, and Donte DiVincenzo, who bring invaluable postseason experience and leadership. Additionally, their competitive performances against the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors highlight the stability of their project.

Furthermore, Anthony Edwards reaffirmed his dedication to the Timberwolves, expressing his desire to spend his entire career with the team. While securing a championship remains a top priority, his unwavering commitment highlights his role as the team’s leader and a cornerstone in the franchise’s future plans.

Despite recent speculation by some analysts, including Kendrick Perkins, about a potential departure, such a move seems unlikely given the current investment in building around him. However, his stance might shift if the Timberwolves struggle to remain competitive and relevant in the NBA landscape.

Amidst fan skepticism about the Timberwolves’ competitiveness, the franchise has confidently committed to the existing roster, believing in the strength of continuity. By keeping the core of the team together, he is betting on continuity leading to success. Moreover, the team may expect greater contributions from bench players, like Terrence Shannon Jr., aiming to improve the rotation and boost their competitive edge.

“Giannis (Antetokounmpo) has been the best player in the Eastern Conference over the last 10 years,” Kendrick Perkins said on ESPN. Despite the controversy that followed, the Greek star has consistently ranked among the league’s elite. For nine consecutive years, he has scored more than 20 points per game, ultimately leading the Milwaukee Bucks to a championship in 2021.

His impact extends beyond these accolades. In the 2019-20 season, he dominated by averaging 29.1 points per game and secured both the MVP and DPOY awards, establishing himself as the season’s most formidable player. Although he has not clinched the MVP title in the past five years, he has consistently averaged over 30 points per game for the last three seasons, significantly enhancing his statistical performance.

Moreover, Giannis has become a primary playmaker for the Milwaukee Bucks. Even the franchise’s general manager, Jon Horst, praised his skills as a point guard. “He truly is becoming a real point guard — or a real point forward, like Doc [Rivers] calls it — so I think that allows us to dive even deeper into it than we have in the past, but I think those have always been some of our most successful lineups and groups,” he said, via the Athletic.

Will Giannis Antetokounmpo return to the Bucks for the 2025–26 season?

Although Giannis Antetokounmpo is under contract with the Milwaukee Bucks through the 2026-27 season, his future with the team remains uncertain. The Greek superstar has expressed his desire to win another championship, yet the Bucks’ roster improvements have been minimal, with only Myles Turner and Cole Anthony joining the team. Given these limited additions, the possibility of Antetokounmpo’s departure still looms large.

In a recent interview with The Athletic, the Bucks’ general manager Jon Horst offered some clarity on the situation. “We’ve done everything, I’ve done everything within my human possible power this offseason… And have we done more than anyone else could possibly do? I believe we have. And that’s not an arrogant thing to say. In a very humble way. I think we’ve done as much or more than anyone else could possibly do, and I’m proud of that,” he said.

Horst’s remarks left the door open for Giannis Antetokounmpo’s potential departure, sparking fan anxiety over a possible trade request. Despite this, the Greek star has not commented on his tenure, and no other franchise negotiations have surfaced. With plenty of time left, the situation remains fluid, and changes could still unfold.

“The word around the league is not good about Deandre Ayton… He’s been labeled as a diva, as a cancer in the locker room… he has to change a lot about himself or he will find his career being shortened,” Kendrick Perkins said, via ESPN. Following these reports, fans have become increasingly doubtful of his arrival, as they do not believe that his arrival will make a difference to the roster.

Deandre Ayton’s potential arrival at the Los Angeles Lakers seems increasingly feasible, especially after the team’s struggles to seal other deals. Meanwhile, Bobby Marks reports that Ayton, now a free agent, has become more appealing after accepting a reduced salary of $14.1 million. The Lakers view him as a strong candidate for their starting center position.

In the 2024-25 NBA season, the 26-year-old center averaged 14.4 points and 10.2 rebounds for the Portland Trail Blazers. Though he did not have his most stellar season individually, his steady performance could provide the Lakers with the immediate impact they desperately need.

However, Los Angeles might face stiff competition to acquire Deandre. NBA insider Jake Weinbach notes that several teams, including the Golden State Warriors, Charlotte Hornets, and Boston Celtics, might soon express interest in Ayton.

Which other centers are the Los Angeles Lakers targeting for the 2025–26 season?

In a bid to bolster their center position, the Los Angeles Lakers, under the guidance of Rob Pelinka, are considering several strategic options. Although DeAndre Ayton remains a viable candidate, Pelinka is also evaluating Brook Lopez and Clint Capela as potential additions, as reported by Dan Woike of The Athletic.

On the one hand, Brook Lopez, despite being the senior option at 36, garners significant support from Lakers fans. The Milwaukee Bucks veteran demonstrated remarkable durability in the 2024-25 season, appearing in 80 games. He delivered a solid performance, averaging 13 points and contributing 5.0 rebounds per game, solidifying his value as a pivotal component of his team.

On the other hand, Clint Capela of the Atlanta Hawks, though he played only 55 games last season, showcased his defensive prowess. While he averaged 8.9 points and 8.5 rebounds per game, the dip in his offensive output raises questions. However, if Capela can regain his top form, he could become an invaluable asset to the Lakers. Yet, this option presents some risk and has not won unanimous approval from the fanbase.