Former NBA big man Kendrick Perkins kicked off the 2025-26 season with a viral moment that instantly had NBA fans talking.
During ESPN’s opening-night coverage, Perkins closed the show with a one-liner that caught co-host Elle Duncan completely off guard.
“What you need ibuprofen for when you can have a perk?” Perkins said, leaving Duncan frozen and the set in laughter.
Nah man Kendrick Perkins is WILD. She was speechless lmaooooo
“What you need ibuprofen for when you can have a perk?” 😭😭pic.twitter.com/qJp4EFrRgG
— Hater Report (@HaterReport_) October 21, 2025
The clip spread quickly, with fans flooding the comments section.
One wrote, “Every female at ESPN has HR on speed dial.”
Every female at ESPN has HR on speed dial
— BankHead (@Tippinbets) October 21, 2025
Another added, “The timing and delivery is everything bc I did like the line it’s clever but the way he did it was awful and weird and bad timing.”
A third fan joked, “MF gave us a new meme to last the whole season and it’s only opening night. I’m so glad the NBA is back,” sharing a screenshot of Perkins’ smug grin right after his remark.
Even with the NBA’s season just starting, fans are already enjoying the unscripted moments that make broadcasts entertaining. Whether it’s playful chaos or awkward jokes, Perk never fails to get people talking.
“Take Anything He Says With a Grain of Salt”: NBA fans Split Over Perkins’ Bam Adebayo Take
Perkins didn’t stop making headlines there. Days before opening night, he stirred the pot again — this time over Bam Adebayo and the Miami Heat.
Appearing on the Road Trippin’ podcast, he made a bold call about Adebayo’s future.
“Bam Adebayo will not be in a Miami HEAT jersey at the end of this year,” Perkins said. “He will not finish the season in Miami… I believe it’s time. Miami is nowhere close to being a playoff team. I never want to doubt Erik Spoelstra, but their roster stinks. Bam is at the point where he needs to be on a contender.”
Kendrick Perkins’s hot take for the upcoming season
“Bam Adebayo will not be in a Miami HEAT jersey at the end of this year. He will not finish the season in Miami… I believe it’s time. Miami is nowhere close to being a playoff team. I never want to doubt Erik Spoelstra, but… pic.twitter.com/BVaBqJ8BYf
— Heat Diehards (@HeatDiehards) October 17, 2025
That take sparked immediate backlash.
One fan fired back, “He finally learned how to pronounce the man’s last name just to have his worst take about him yet.”
Another replied, “He’s paid to say controversial sht. Take anything he says w a grain of salt.”*
A third added, “He never wants to doubt Spo but yet he always does.”
Love him or hate him, Kendrick Perkins remains a fixture in NBA talk shows — part comic relief, part chaos, and always guaranteed to trend when the season tips off.
For more sports content:
Follow us @HardwoodHeroics for your NBA and college basketball reading fix. You can reach out to Dan Agulto through email at papadanph@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest sports news, click here!
Dan has been active in sports since 2016 and has worked behind the scenes as a scriptwriter for basketball, volleyball, and other sports. At a time, Dan has also been working as a sports commentator for CBA Pilipinas. During the pandemic, he has also been actively writing betting articles for CashBet and BetNow.
