Kendrick Perkins didn’t hold back when reflecting on his time with the Oklahoma City Thunder. “I was the glue,” he told NBA insider Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson.
Perkins’ comments come after Kevin Durant appeared to take a shot at him on X. However, the former Thunder center dismissed the tweet, calling it nothing more than “trolling.”
“That was him trolling. He knows what the real was,” Perkins said. He believes Durant understands his impact on the Thunder’s locker room, even if the public narrative suggests otherwise.
Perkins played a key leadership role for Oklahoma City after being acquired from the Boston Celtics in 2011. He saw his responsibility as more than just rebounding and defense—he was the emotional anchor of the team.
“I forced everybody to f*** with everybody,” Perkins said. “When I got in there, I made sure that everyone was on the same page.” His focus was on unity, ensuring the team functioned as a cohesive unit.
The Thunder, led by Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden, emerged as a contender during Perkins’ tenure. He insists his leadership behind the scenes was just as vital as their on-court production.
“The best teams are the ones that can be close-knit as a group,” Perkins said. “Without that, you’re not going to win anything.” His hard-nosed mentality helped set the tone for the franchise’s culture.
Despite his strong claims, his relationship with Durant has had its ups and downs. Since leaving Oklahoma City, Durant has spoken critically about aspects of his time there, while Perkins has openly debated his former teammate’s legacy.
Even with their occasional public spats, Perkins remains confident in his contributions. “KD knows,” he reiterated, standing by his belief that he was a key part of the Thunder’s success.
While Perkins never filled the stat sheet like Durant or Westbrook, his presence as a leader remains an important chapter in Thunder history. He believes his ability to hold teammates accountable helped push the team toward championship contention.
Looking back, Perkins is at peace with his role in Oklahoma City’s rise. He remains firm in his belief that his leadership mattered just as much as the team’s superstar talent.
And when it comes to any lingering debate over his impact, Perkins keeps it simple. “I’m good. KD knows the truth,” he said. “We’ve both moved on, but don’t get it twisted—I was the glue.”
