All The Smoke Kendrick Perkins’ Untold NBA Stories: Durant–Westbrook OKC Era & HOF Hazing
Dec 15, 2025
Kendrick Perkins, a former NBA center turned ESPN analyst, shares captivating untold stories from his playing days, including hazing experiences and insights into the Durant-Westbrook era in OKC. He reflects on career regrets and his views on current NBA culture and media accountability. Connor Hayes, head of Threads at Meta, joins to discuss the platform's role in enhancing live basketball conversations and building community among fans. Together, they explore the intersection of sports and digital engagement, showcasing the future of basketball fandom.
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Visibility Brings Opportunity And Work
- Kendrick Perkins says visibility from ESPN opens doors but demands a grind across many shows.
- He values relationships and regrets not building business connections earlier in his career.
Sacrifice Is The Hidden Championship Cost
- Perkins highlights that sacrifice is the hardest part for young teams to sustain long-term success.
- He contrasts current OKC with his era, saying lack of sacrifice undermined his old team.
Reconsider The One-Year Rule
- Kendrick Perkins argues to allow high-school players to enter the NBA so they can learn on the job.
- He urges removing the one-year rule because it doesn't clearly develop players.