While Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals had fans buzzing about the Oklahoma City Thunder’s big win, it was a surprising courtside moment that really got people talking.
Former NBA player Kendrick Perkins showed up for the broadcast—and social media exploded over how dramatically different he looked.
A Familiar Face, but Not Quite the Same Look
Ahead of the Thunder’s victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves, cameras caught Perkins standing near the player’s entrance tunnel.
But it wasn’t just his suit or the playoff energy that caught attention—it was his noticeable weight gain.
Viewers couldn’t help but compare his current look to the 6-foot-10, 270-pound build he was known for during his playing days.
Dressed in sharp attire, Perkins stood next to ESPN co-host Stephen A. Smith, but the camera angle didn’t do him any favors.
The image quickly made its rounds online, and let’s just say NBA fans did not hold back with their reactions.
Social Media Reactions Range from Jokes to Jabs
As soon as the clip aired, NBA Twitter lit up with memes, GIFs, and commentary.
One user posted a GIF of Eddie Murphy’s larger-than-life character from The Nutty Professor, while others poked fun at Perkins’ frequent critiques of athletes’ conditioning.
“And this man makes fun of other athletes’ weights lol.
Luka about to make a phone call right now,” one fan joked.
Another wrote, “Three people can fit inside of Perkins… STANDING VERTICALLY!”
The roasting continued, with comments like:
“Perk got way bigger since he been at ESPN, maybe that’s why he’s never actually in studio,” and
“Perk built like Paul Bearer,” referring to the late WWE personality.
Still a Big Voice in Basketball, Despite the Noise
Despite the online jokes, Kendrick Perkins remains one of the most recognizable and outspoken voices on ESPN’s basketball coverage.
He’s expected to be back on the air for Game 1 of the Knicks vs. Pacers series, proving that the social media chatter isn’t slowing him down.
Remembering Perkins’ Time on the Court
For younger fans who mostly know Perkins as a broadcaster, it’s easy to forget just how impactful he was in the NBA.
He won a championship with the Boston Celtics in 2008 and played a key role alongside Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden during Oklahoma City’s rise.
Perkins wrapped up his playing career with a second stint on the Cleveland Cavaliers, retiring after the 2018 season.
He didn’t see any action during that postseason but was part of the roster as LeBron James made his final Finals run with Cleveland before heading to the Lakers.
What’s Next for Perkins?
Though he hasn’t publicly responded to the jokes or the viral photos, Perkins is likely unfazed.
With another playoff broadcast lined up, he’s not stepping away from the spotlight any time soon.
If anything, all this chatter just keeps his name—and his opinions—firmly in the basketball conversation.