Former NBA player and current ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins has recently raised concerns over the network’s extensive coverage of Bronny James, the son of NBA superstar LeBron James. Perkins’ comments have resonated with many NBA fans who believe the coverage has been disproportionate.
Bronny James, who declared for the NBA Draft after a single season at USC, has been a hot topic in the media, particularly on ESPN. Despite being a potential second-round pick, the attention he has received has been likened to that of top draft prospects. Perkins pointed out that under normal circumstances, a player of Bronny’s projected draft position would not receive such extensive coverage.
Veteran scouts: He’s not a pro prospect.
ESPN hosts: But he’s so well spoken and conducts himself so professionally.Kendrick Perkins calls out ESPN panel for only pushing Bronny James because he’s Lebron’s son. That Klutch Sports paycheck must not be hitting anymore. pic.twitter.com/ziq7HdJqCu
— NBA Strife ツ (@strifeomg) May 19, 2024
Perkins’ critique comes at a time when the upcoming NBA Draft is considered to have one of the weakest classes in recent memory, leading to a lack of intrigue for major networks in the lead-up. However, the narrative around Bronny James has been amplified, possibly due to the intrigue surrounding LeBron James’ free agency and the prospect of him playing with his son.
The ESPN panel, including Austin Rivers, Bobby Marks, and Adrian Wojnarowski, discussed Bronny’s potential in the league, with Perkins emphasizing that the media should focus more on the players who are likely to be top picks in the draft. He argued that the excessive coverage does not benefit Bronny’s professional aspirations and overshadows other deserving players.
Perkins’ stance has sparked a conversation about media responsibility and the balance between covering a compelling story and providing equitable attention to all athletes. His call for a more measured approach to Bronny’s coverage has been met with support from fans and commentators alike, who appreciate his willingness to speak up on the issue.
It’s not often I agree with Kendrick Perkins, but he’s absolutely right. https://t.co/dD5rQSDfcf
— Tony Baltierra (@tonybaltierra) May 20, 2024
Finally, someone speaks it. Thank you @KendrickPerkins https://t.co/VRHqfCRcka
— smave (@j_smave) May 20, 2024
I don’t agree with Kendrick Perkins on much, but he’s on the money here.
I feel bad for Bronny James. Seems like a good kid. Has been through a lot. But this media coverage is getting out of hand. Much of it brought upon by his father.
Let him do his thing. https://t.co/W2DqEHLZuK
— Chris Walder (@WalderSports) May 20, 2024
.@KendrickPerkins saying on ESPN TV what @PetrosAndMoney and others have been saying for weeks… Thanks Perk !!! https://t.co/bbCc5eesTH
— Tim Cates (@timcates) May 20, 2024
I had to rewatch parts of this like three times just to make sure I actually heard what was being said. And the guy takes quite a bit of flack but a big tip of the cap to @KendrickPerkins for this one. https://t.co/aAN5Qbc81g
— Casey Holdahl (@CHold) May 20, 2024
Hate to say it but Perk got a point https://t.co/l5Z8CZCCcH
— Spank Horton (@SpankHorton) May 20, 2024
I don’t agree with @KendrickPerkins all the time but he’s 100% right, Bronny has gotten more attention then all of the players expected to get picked in the lottery have combined, nobody cares that he’s Lebron’s son, can the kid play or not? that’s all that matters https://t.co/YNt64azoG4
— Ryan Kaminski (@PghSki17) May 20, 2024
