Kevin Durant has faced increasing scrutiny in recent weeks due to his limited availability in the playoff series against the Los Angeles Lakers. His absence in three of the four games so far has become a major talking point.
The situation is particularly striking given how the series began. With the Lakers initially missing Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic, the Houston Rockets were widely viewed as favourites.
Instead, they now trail 3-1, with Durant having featured in just one game so far. That context has intensified criticism around his overall impact.
Speaking on ESPN’s First Take this Tuesday, Kendrick Perkins openly questioned Durant’s influence on his recent teams. The former NBA player argued that results have not matched expectations since Durant left Golden State.
“I believe that he still puts the ball in the basket better than the majority of the NBA. But let’s go facts over feelings right now. And let’s keep it a buck,” he began by saying.
“The Brooklyn Nets, disaster. The Phoenix Suns ran through two or three coaches, two of them were championship caliber coaches, a disaster. What did the Phoenix Suns do this year? They made it to the postseason. They were one of the biggest surprises in the NBA.
“Okay, fast forward. Let’s look at the Houston Rockets. The Houston Rockets last year got to the first round. I believe they pushed the Golden State Warriors as the number two seed to seven games. If, if I’m not mistaken, six or seven games. I believe that the Houston Rockets did give up a guy, Jalen Green, that they drafted with the number two pick. They did give up a guy, Dillon Brooks, who’s a culture seller, to get KD and some picks.
“What I’m saying is if you’re a team that’s a championship contender, would you give up a valuable piece and you got a culture that’s set to bring in Kevin Durant, not knowing, is it going to disrupt the vibe, the chemistry of the organization? I can’t chance that,” he concluded amid rumours of Durant attracting the interest of many teams for next season.
Durant’s situation remains uncertain heading into Game 5, as he is still dealing with a left ankle injury.
According to Shams Charania, the Rockets are expected to be without him again for the elimination matchup.
Ime Udoka’s side must now find a way to stay alive in the series, but doing so without their star player presents a significant challenge.
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