The NBA has recently seen a surge of cases where it has been apparent that the mental health of players is a cause for concern. While many have turned to alternative methods, some of which have proven detrimental, Kendrick Perkins stepped in to show support for these players.
On a recent episode of the “Road Trippin’ Show,” Kendrick Perkins addressed the recent controversy surrounding Jaden Ivey and his subsequent actions since being waived by the Chicago Bulls. While acknowledging that Ivey needed help, Perkins revealed the personal challenges he faced during his playing days.
“I just want people to know that it’s okay to go seek help and sit down, even if it’s a conversation two or three times a week,” Perkins began. “Hell, I was in a f—ing drug program the whole time I was playing in the NBA because I couldn’t put the weed down.”
“I have a lot of f—ing regrets as a player throughout the course of my 14-year career because I felt like I prioritized weed in the offseason over actually working on my game. While I was smoking 500 blunts a week, I should have been putting up 500 shots a f—ing week.”
Perkins’ 14-year-long NBA career was largely marked by mediocrity, as he served as a rotational big man and bruiser for the majority of it. Still, having won an NBA championship with the Boston Celtics in 2008, Kendrick Perkins has something to show for it.
The same cannot be said for some of the other players who have seen their careers derailed because of drug abuse or mental health-related issues.
A player like Delonte West comes to mind as an example for this. Despite showing potential early on, West’s struggles with bipolar disorder and substance abuse gradually saw his NBA career come to an end.
Following this, West has infamously made headlines for being arrested for intoxication and even theft. On a positive note, however, West has sought out the necessary help and is 100 days sober, according to the latest updates.
With regard to star-caliber players, Philadelphia 76ers star Paul George served a 25-game suspension this season for violating the NBA’s Anti-Drug Program recently. While George claimed that he mistakenly used the improper medication to address his mental health issues, the circumstances weren’t in his favor.
In light of the ongoing issues, Kendrick Perkins’ support for Jaden Ivey is heartwarming. But Ivey’s situation is far more complicated than Perkins’ ever was.
While Billy Donovan explained why the Bulls waived Ivey, the former Bulls guard seems to have gone off the rails. Having called out superstars such as Stephen Curry and even Anthony Edwards for his anti-LGBTQ remarks in the past, Ivey appears to be on a self-destructive path.
Although Kendrick Perkins may be correct in suggesting that Jaden Ivey seek the help he needs, it would be fair to assume that the guard’s time in the NBA may be over. With more details coming to light, matters have only taken a turn for the worse.
