Kendrick Perkins has publicly acknowledged Kyrie Irving’s candidness during a recent live stream, marking a notable shift amid the ongoing Kyrie Irving Kendrick Perkins feud that has captured NBA fans’ attention over several years. This interaction comes as Irving revisits the tumultuous Brooklyn Nets era, revealing details about internal team struggles and coaching upheavals from the 2020-21 season.
Kyrie Irving Reflects on Brooklyn Nets’ Coaching Turmoil and Playoff Defeat
During a recent live session, Kyrie Irving openly discussed the chaos surrounding the Brooklyn Nets’ collapse, notably the departure of assistant coach Ime Udoka to the Boston Celtics shortly after the 2020-21 season. Irving expressed disbelief over Udoka’s sudden move, highlighting the challenge of now facing a former coach who was familiar with the team‘s strategies and weaknesses.
“Can you imagine going against a coach that literally saw all of our strengths and weaknesses, and now we’re playing against him?”
Kyrie stated on his stream.
This upheaval played a significant role as the Celtics decisively swept the Nets 4-0 in the 2022 playoffs, despite Irving and Kevin Durant’s strong individual performances. The Boston team’s preparedness contrasted sharply with the Nets’ unraveling super team, which had already lost James Harden months before. The coaching shift and subsequent defeats underscored the internal disruptions that contributed to Brooklyn’s downfall.
Kendrick Perkins Endorses Kyrie Irving’s Authenticity Amid Their Historical Conflict
Perkins, a long-time critic of Kyrie Irving, surprised many by expressing support for Kyrie’s recent openness. Known for his outspoken views on Irving, Perkins took to X (formerly Twitter) to commend Kyrie’s honesty in the live streams. He wrote,
“Kyrie finally speaking out and I’m here for it and loving these streams he’s doing. It’s real and Authentic,”
highlighting a rare moment of agreement between the two.
Perkins’ praise contrasts with past tensions but also reflects a recognition of authenticity in Irving’s approach. The shift has intrigued fans and commentators alike, as Perkins was previously one of Irving’s harshest detractors.
The Origins and Development of the Kyrie Irving and Kendrick Perkins Feud
The ongoing tension between Irving and Perkins has its roots in both on-court disputes and off-court controversies. Their public disagreements intensified around 2020 when Kyrie advocated for a players’ boycott of the NBA restart in support of the Black Lives Matter movement. Perkins strongly opposed Irving’s stance, delivering a sharp rebuke live on air.
Perkins infamously remarked,
“If you take Kyrie Irving’s brain and put it in a bird right now, guess what that bird is going to do? It’s going to fly backwards,”
adding,
“Because Kyrie right now, he’s confused. He’s showing his lack of leadership.”
This comment amplified criticism of Irving’s leadership and deepened their feud.
The friction actually traces back even earlier to 2019, when Perkins questioned Irving’s absence from a game in Boston due to a shoulder injury. Perkins suggested Irving might have been avoiding the hostile environment of the Celtics’ fans, despite Irving undergoing treatment and missing multiple games at the time. Irving had previously committed to re-signing with Boston before moving to Brooklyn, adding personal weight to the accusations.
Perkins’ Apology and Continued Critique of Irving’s Leadership
Despite the harsh exchanges, Perkins has publicly apologized for his “bird” remark, admitting it was out of character. Speaking with Brandon Scoop B Robinson, Perkins said,
“Now was my bird statement a little out of character? Yes it was. And guess what? I apologized to Kyrie Irving for that… But Kyrie in my eyes, in my opinion, he’s confused. He’s confused as a leader. I’m standing behind it.”
This nuanced position shows Perkins differentiating between past insults and his ongoing critique of Irving’s leadership abilities. While the apology acknowledged a personal misstep, Perkins maintains his view of Irving’s challenges as a leader in the NBA.
Significance of Perkins’ Shift and What It Means for the Future
In 2025, Kendrick Perkins’ newfound appreciation for Kyrie Irving’s honesty marks a complex turn in their fraught relationship. Whether this signals personal growth, greater understanding, or acknowledgment of Irving’s impact, it offers a rare moment of reconciliation in an otherwise contentious history.
Irving’s unfiltered insights into the Brooklyn Nets’ internal struggles have resonated beyond the basketball court, shedding light on the fragile dynamics within high-profile NBA teams. Perkins’ supportive reaction lends credibility to Kyrie’s narratives, possibly opening doors for bridging their differences.
As their feud evolves, observers will watch closely to see if Perkins’ praise heralds a softening of tensions or remains an isolated gesture amid longstanding disagreements. For now, Kyrie Irving’s voice remains a formidable presence, commanding attention from critics and fans alike.