The NBA is no stranger to heated debates, but Kendrick Perkins’ latest comments on Anthony Edwards have ignited a particularly fiery discussion. During a recent segment on ESPN’s First Take, Perkins argued that Edwards, the Minnesota Timberwolves’ rising star, cannot be the face of the league unless he embraces a more traditional family life.
Perkins, a former NBA player turned analyst, claimed that past NBA icons—such as Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal, LeBron James, and Stephen Curry—shared a common trait: they were family men during their playing careers. According to Perkins, this aspect of their personal lives contributed to their ability to serve as role models and, ultimately, as the faces of the league.
“You’ve got to check the boxes when you’re the face of the league,” Perkins said. “We know you’ve got to have your signature shoe. You’re going to be in commercials. You’re going to have the highlights. You’ve got to have the game. But know what else you’ve got to have? You’ve got to be a role model. And things outside the lines matter. If you go down the list of all the faces of the league in the history of the game … what do they all have in common? While they was playing in the league, they all were family men. They all were married. With kids. If you think that don’t play a role, as far as being a role model … This is facts. This is not something that I’m making up.”
“You gotta check the boxes when you’re the face of the league…Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Shaq, LeBron, Steph…they all were family men. They all were married with kids.” – Kendrick Perkins on Anthony Edwards pic.twitter.com/U8zFUZaYX2
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) May 27, 2025
Perkins’ comments were met with immediate pushback, including from fellow ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith, who interrupted to steer the conversation back to Edwards’ on-court performance.
Critics also pointed out inconsistencies in Perkins’ argument. While some of the players he mentioned were indeed married during their careers, others faced personal controversies that contradict the notion that being a “family man” is a prerequisite for NBA superstardom.
Edwards himself has been reluctant to embrace the “face of the league” label, preferring to focus on his game rather than external expectations. Despite the controversy, his talent and charisma continue to make him one of the most exciting young players in the NBA.
