NBA analyst and retired champion Kendrick Perkins is often criticized for speaking his mind to the public, with his latest take being no different. On Wednesday night, he shared a bold take on the New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers series,
“Said it before the series. Whoever wins the match up between OG and Siakam wins the series,” Perkins posted. “Oh btw OG just might be the best role player in the League.”
Said it before the series. Whoever wins the match up between OG and Siakam wins the series. Oh btw OG just might be the best role player in the League.
— Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) May 9, 2024
The remark starts out reasonable as the matchup between Anunoby and Siakam is crucial, although it perhaps plays second fiddle to the point guard battle between Jalen Brunson and Tyrese Haliburton. The Knicks forward finished the Game 2 victory with 28 points and 4 rebounds, while the Pacers star tallied 14 points and 9 rebounds.
However, describing Anunoby as a “role player” seems odd when considering he started in all 50 of his appearances this season and averaged nearly 15 points on 48.9% shooting from the field. Not to mention, he is playing the third-most minutes for the Knicks in the postseason thus far (41.7), and he's widely regarded as one of the best defenders in the NBA.
The comment clearly wasn't meant to be a knock on Anunoby's game since he referred to him as "the best role player" in the NBA, but regardless, it was not received well.
Some fans immediately disagreed with Perkins, pointing out that OG is more than a role player.
I don’t really consider him a role player he’s the best perimeter defender in the NBA. I would say Josh Hart is the best role player in the NBA and OG is better than him. But to each is own. Carry the hell on
— x - Mikey CoinSnatch (@MikeyCoinSnatch) May 9, 2024
He’s more than a role player. If you think he’s a role player at this point you have no idea who OG is
— Carter Jones (@Carter1223Jones) May 9, 2024
That’s a confusing take by perk
— Eddie (@kameidotrading) May 9, 2024
OG is a bit more than arole player in all fairness.
— Rmvt ® (@Toorned) May 9, 2024
Not gonna lie....A head scratcher here big Perk
— Robert L (@NYSportsManiac) May 9, 2024
Og is significantly better than Siakam lmfao
— LFGK/LFGM (@KodaiCynga) May 9, 2024
Og not a role player
— LRYERRR (@Lryerrrt) May 9, 2024
Others began arguing about who deserves the title of NBA's best role player, and the main names that came up were Derrick White (Boston Celtics), Josh Hart (Knicks), and Nickeil Alexander-Walker (Minnesota Timberwolves).
