Podcast Summary: The Stephen A. Smith Show Episode: Interview Only: Verbal Beef between ESPN's Kendrick Perkins and TNT's Charles Barkley is OVER!
Release Date: June 3, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show, hosted by Stephen A. Smith and iHeartPodcasts, the spotlight is on a candid conversation between ESPN's Kendrick Perkins and renowned journalists Tom Brokaw and Lester Holt. The discussion delves deep into the NBA playoffs, focusing on the Eastern Conference Finals between the Indiana Pacers and the New York Knicks, as well as the formidable Oklahoma City Thunder. Additionally, Perkins shares personal anecdotes and addresses his past verbal disagreements with TNT's Charles Barkley, emphasizing their reconciliation.

NBA Playoffs Overview

Tom Brokaw initiates the conversation by providing an in-depth analysis of the NBA playoffs, specifically highlighting the Indiana Pacers' unexpected advancement to the finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder. He reflects on the Pacers' performance against the Knicks, emphasizing their depth and coaching prowess.

"But when you couple that with the fact you got to look at the future in terms of the New York Knicks giving up five picks, four, four unprotected first-round picks for Mikhail Bridges and you saw his level of production or lack thereof at times, it doesn't look too pretty for the New York Knicks."
— Tom Brokaw [01:14]

Kendrick Perkins agrees, acknowledging Brokaw's initial misjudgment of the series and commending the Pacers for their resilience.

"Well. Well, let me say this. I was wrong. I was wrong about this series. And I got to give credit to the Indiana Pacers, I will say that."
— Kendrick Perkins [04:19]

New York Knicks Analysis

The conversation shifts to dissecting the New York Knicks' performance. Both Perkins and Brokaw express disappointment over the Knicks' inability to capitalize on their momentum, particularly after losing Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals.

Brokaw points out the Knicks' lack of depth compared to the Pacers and criticizes their future prospects based on recent trades and player performances.

"From a purely basketball standpoint, this is a better final series than the Knicks would have given Oklahoma City Thunder, because I think if the New York Knicks had gone against Oklahoma City Thunder, they would have gotten blown out of the building."
— Tom Brokaw [01:14]

Perkins adds that the Knicks need to focus on improving their roster, especially their starting five, and holding players accountable for their performances.

"The problem with Corey Anthony Towns is strength and conditioning. He has to lose 15 to 20 pounds. He has to be able to get up the floor better. He has to be able to work on his lateral movement."
— Kendrick Perkins [06:24]

Key Player Evaluations

Karl-Anthony Towns

Perkins offers a critical analysis of Karl-Anthony Towns, highlighting concerns about his conditioning and defensive prowess. He emphasizes the necessity for Towns to improve his physical fitness to meet the demands of the NBA.

"The problem with Corey Anthony Towns is strength and conditioning. He has to lose 15 to 20 pounds. He has to be able to get up the floor better."
— Kendrick Perkins [06:24]

Brokaw echoes these sentiments, expressing skepticism about Towns' long-term reliability due to his physical limitations.

"What about your concerns about Carl Anthony Townsend? How gimpy he looked throughout these playoffs? His legs, it looks shaky, man."
— Tom Brokaw [09:10]

Mikhail Bridges

The discussion shifts to Mikhail Bridges, a significant trade asset for the Pacers. Perkins acknowledges Bridges' mixed performance but differentiates his contributions from the rest of the Knicks' roster.

"I have mixed feelings about Mikhail Bridges. He didn't have a great series in the Eastern Conference finals, but remember how great he was in that Boston series."
— Kendrick Perkins [11:07]

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA)

Perkins passionately advocates for SGA, proclaiming him as the greatest player in Oklahoma City Thunder's history. He highlights SGA's consistent scoring, shooting efficiency, and overall impact on the game.

"He's sitting at that table now. And he hasn't even completed the mission yet. So imagine when he completes the mission and I think out of all, and you tell me if I'm wrong, he's going to be this. He's everybody else from Anthony, Elvis, Luka, Jason Tatum, Jalen Brown, Donovan Mitchell are going to be playing catch up to him."
— Kendrick Perkins [19:50]

Perkins also credits SGA with revitalizing the mid-range game in the NBA, countering the prevailing trend towards perimeter shooting.

"I agree with him. He got us, he made us focus and brought us back to reality... He reminded us that the mid-range game wasn't dead."
— Kendrick Perkins [23:09]

Oklahoma City Thunder's Defensive Prowess

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the Oklahoma City Thunder's exceptional defense. Perkins lauds their defensive strategies and depth, comparing them favorably to historical NBA defensive teams.

"It's one of the best defensive teams that we've seen in the history of the game... These dudes are just different."
— Kendrick Perkins [14:25]

He emphasizes the Thunder's ability to guard multiple positions effectively, which poses a substantial challenge to their opponents.

"They're different, man. This is a different beast. This is a different animal. This is a different challenge that's coming his way."
— Tom Brokaw [15:31]

Personal Anecdotes and Relationships

Beyond basketball analysis, Perkins shares personal stories that highlight his deep connection to the Oklahoma City community and his relationships within the NBA.

Reconciliation with Charles Barkley

Perkins addresses past tensions with Charles Barkley, revealing that their disagreement has been resolved through mutual understanding and communication facilitated by their mutual friend, Michael Wilbon.

"I want the world to know that me and the great Charles Barkley has no beef no more. We actually talk and conversate."
— Kendrick Perkins [30:00]

He recounts the steps taken to mend their relationship, emphasizing the importance of bridging gaps and moving forward.

"I reached out. ... He put us in the group message, and he wrote this whole paragraph and say, both of y' all great friends of mine... Let's link up and break bread."
— Kendrick Perkins [31:07]

Connection to Oklahoma City

Perkins elaborates on his lasting bond with Oklahoma City, detailing his community involvement and affection for the city, which goes beyond his professional ties.

"We developed relationships there, man. Where I never bought a house in Boston. I never bought a house in Cleveland or New Orleans. But I did own a house in Oklahoma City."
— Kendrick Perkins [18:10]

He highlights the community's warmth and support, underlining his intention to maintain ties with the city despite his departure.

Kevin Durant and Team Dynamics

The conversation touches upon Kevin Durant's legacy, his departure from Oklahoma City, and the lasting impact on both Durant and the Thunder's fan base.

"I don't see how he left OKC. Those fans haven't changed. They've been that way."
— Kendrick Perkins [26:51]

Perkins expresses uncertainty about Durant's future affiliations and whether he'll maintain a connection with Oklahoma City post-departure.

"What's the place he's gonna call home? Everyone has that place... He's going to be this... he's going to enter that room of superstars."
— Kendrick Perkins [28:33]

He also discusses the potential for Durant to be remembered as a key figure within the Thunder's history, questioning the organization's ability to honor him adequately.

"I want to know if Sam Presti is even going to retire his jersey."
— Kendrick Perkins [29:18]

Conclusion

In the concluding segments, Perkins solidifies his admiration for the Oklahoma City Thunder, particularly highlighting SGA's transformative role in the team and the NBA at large. He underscores the importance of teamwork, defense, and individual excellence in shaping successful franchises. The episode wraps up with reflections on personal growth, reconciliation, and the ever-evolving dynamics of professional basketball.

Notable Quotes Recap

• Tom Brokaw [01:14]: "From a purely basketball standpoint, this is a better final series than the Knicks would have given Oklahoma City Thunder..."
• Kendrick Perkins [04:19]: "I was wrong about this series. And I got to give credit to the Indiana Pacers..."
• Kendrick Perkins [06:24]: "The problem with Corey Anthony Towns is strength and conditioning..."
• Kendrick Perkins [19:50]: "He's going to enter that room of superstars with LeBron, with KD, with Steph, with Jokic, with Giannis..."
• Kendrick Perkins [23:09]: "He got us, he made us focus and brought us back to reality..."
• Kendrick Perkins [30:00]: "Me and the great Charles Barkley has no beef no more. We actually talk and conversate."

This episode offers listeners an insightful blend of professional basketball analysis and personal storytelling, providing a comprehensive understanding of the current NBA landscape and the intricate relationships within it.