Kendrick Perkins Faces Backlash for Declaring LeBron as The Greatest Off The Court Athlete of All-Time

Posted on May 8, 2020

Who would have guessed that Kendrick Perkins would become a source of controversial opinions since retiring from the NBA?

The former NBA center and current ESPN analyst sparked discussion on Twitter by sharing his viewpoint on the ongoing debate about Jordan versus LeBron’s legacy.

“We can argue about who’s the GOAT on the court,” said the 35-year-old Perkins on Twitter. “[B]ut when it comes to who’s the GOAT off the court, there’s no debate!!! LeBron James is the Greatest Athlete off court EVER.”

We can debate about who’s the GOAT on the court but when it comes down to who’s the GOAT off the court it’s not even a DEBATE!!! LeBron James is the Greatest Athlete off court EVER.

— Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) May 5, 2020

He further stated:

Giving back is cool from anyone, I respect the effort!

LeBron has a direct impact with culture and most importantly changing his community and others from the same background he came from!! #Itaintapplestoapples
— Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) May 5, 2020

That’s not to say others don’t, but usually the most prominent athlete doesn’t engage, we’ve already seen that example!!!

— Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) May 5, 2020

Unsurprisingly, Twitter users criticized him for overlooking legendary figures like Muhammad Ali.

Elgin Baylor once told an NBA owner to “go to hell” in the early 60s so that one day LBJ could amass more wealth than anyone else … I think I’ll pass on this opinion. https://t.co/Peu19jYMGX

— Noah Perkins (@NoahPBPerkins) May 5, 2020

I think LeBron could be considered the greatest off-court athlete of the modern era due to his player empowerment, social initiatives, and providing a platform for athletes.

However, none of LeBron’s accomplishments can overshadow the achievements of those who broke through racial barriers. https://t.co/2RcSxzIMTD
— George Mikan (@MikanFanClubCEO) May 5, 2020

What about Bill Russell, Muhammad Ali, Jackie Robinson? Since joining Clutch, it seems like Perk has been making some wild statements. https://t.co/SKCWQGGQPd

— Depressed Bulls Fan (@Moe63546584) May 5, 2020

Is this person just trying to gain favors from Klutch sports? Are we ignoring the existence of Jesse Owens, Jackie Robinson, Roberto Clemente, Kareem, Ali? This is an extreme overreach by Coach Perc30. https://t.co/zmw46E0hLm

— #BullsAreBack ? (@FelicioFanClub) May 5, 2020

Wait, did Perk forget that Muhammad Ali was imprisoned for social justice? What about Jessie Owens? Jackie Robinson?????? https://t.co/jvYpnJ8ITC

— Rinaldy ???? (@Neg_Lagonav) May 6, 2020

Did Perk overlook the instance from less than a year ago when LeBron chose not to voice support for Chinese freedom fighters but instead focused on preserving his image and shoe sales? https://t.co/j1I24FOWLH

— Mike O The Tweet Slayer (@momalley2112) May 5, 2020

The debate about the GOAT has been reignited recently with the airing of ESPN’s 10-part series, The Last Dance, which delves into the 1997-98 Chicago Bulls season.

As arguments intensify, everyone brings up facts and opinions to defend their favorite, but ultimately, minds are unlikely to be changed.