Kendrick Perkins has become famous for his bold takes. The former center turned analyst isn’t afraid of speaking his mind and doesn’t hesitate to voice his opinions regardless of how controversial they are.
That’s how he recently made a case for a curious player to win the Defensive Player of the Year this term. Over the past couple of years, Kevin Durant’s defense has improved. Not to make him a solid two-way player, but to help him face dangerous rivals.
However, Perkins believes Durant’s defensive prowess is enough to make him a DPOY candidate. While praising his offensive talents, Perkins made a case for his former teammate, saying he should be in the conversation for the coveted defensive award.
“We already know that Kevin Durant is one the Best Scorers to ever play this game… but one can make the case that he needs to be in the DPOY conversation THIS season! Carry on…,” tweeted Kendrick Perkins.
We already know that Kevin Durant is one the Best Scorers to ever play this game… but one can make the case that he needs to be in the DPOY conversation THIS season! Carry on…
— Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) December 11, 2021
This is one of those big claims that make fans raise their eyebrows. Sure, Durant has improved on the defensive end of the ball and is leading the Nets with 0.8 blocks and 0.7 steals per contest. Still, putting him at the same level as defensive specialists like Draymond Green, Rudy Gobert or Giannis Antetokounmpo seems like a lot.
Still, if Stephen Curry improved his defensive rating to 100.1 (3rd best in the league), perhaps KD (107.0) could reach that level later this season. If that happens, Perkins’ words would get more attention. But, now, that doesn’t seem like a likely possibility.
Meanwhile, Durant keeps showing his greatness on offense, being one of the biggest candidates to win the MVP award this season. Durant currently averages 28.5 points, 7.6 rebounds and 5.4 assists per contest, leading the Brooklyn Nets to the top spot of the East.
Nobody would appreciate him becoming a great defender more than the Nets, but that’s not happening right now. If KD becomes a two-way player, he’d be an even more dangerous weapon for his team.
