NBA analyst and retired champion Kendrick Perkins is often criticized for speaking his mind to the public, and his latest opinion is no different. On Wednesday night, he shared a bold take on the series between the New York Knicks and the Indiana Pacers.
“I said it before the series. Whoever wins the matchup between OG and Siakam wins the series,” Perkins posted. “Oh, by the way, OG might be the best role player in the League.”
He said it before the series. Whoever wins the matchup between OG and Siakam wins the series. Oh, by the way, OG might be the best role player in the League.
— Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) May 9, 2024
The comment starts out reasonable since the matchup between Anunoby and Siakam is crucial, although it may play a secondary role in the base 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 scored 14 points and 9 rebounds.
However, describing Anunoby as a “role player” seems strange considering he started all 50 of his appearances this season and averaged nearly 15 points on 48.9% shooting from the field. Not to mention, he’s playing the third-most minutes for the Knicks in the postseason so far (41.7) and is widely considered one of the best defenders in the NBA.
The comment was clearly not intended as a knock on Anunoby’s game as he referred to him as “the best role player” in the NBA, but it didn’t go over well regardless.
Some fans immediately disagreed with Perkins and pointed out that OG is more than just 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 each one is his own. Keep going
— x – Mikey CoinSnatch (@MikeyCoinSnatch) May 9, 2024
He is more than a role player. If you think he’s a roleplayer right now, you have no idea who OG is.
-Carter Jones (@Carter1223Jones) May 9, 2024
That is a confusing interpretation of the benefit.
—Eddie (@kameidotrading) May 9, 2024
To be fair, OG is a bit more than a roleplayer.
– Rmvt ® (@Toorned) May 9, 2024
Not gonna lie… Head scratcher here, big benefit
—Robert L (@NYSportsManiac) May 9, 2024
Og is significantly better than Siakam lmfao
—LFGK/LFGM (@KodaiCynga) May 9, 2024
Og is not a role player
– LRYERRR (@Lryerrrt) May 9, 2024
Others began arguing about who deserves the title of best role player in the NBA, and the main names that came up were Derrick White (Boston Celtics), Josh Hart (Knicks) and Nickeil Alexander-Walker (Minnesota Timberwolves).
