Kendrick Perkins claimed that his free supply of Air Jordans ended after he publicly called LeBron James the greatest of all time. Speaking on First Take, the former NBA center suggested that Michael Jordan took notice of his comments and reacted accordingly.
Perkins, who played in the NBA for 14 seasons, shared his experience with sneaker shipments during his playing career. “If you go in my closet, it’s nothing but Jays. I keep Jays on my feet. I was signed to Jordan for about two years when I was playing,” he said.
The former Oklahoma City Thunder big man recalled receiving exclusive sneakers before they hit stores. “I used to get boxes in the mail before the shoes hit stores,” Perkins noted, via HoopsHype. However, he suggested that things changed when he shifted to media and voiced his opinion on the GOAT debate.
“I started my media career, and as soon as I said LeBron James was the GOAT—those boxes stopped coming,” Perkins stated. While he did not confirm whether Jordan himself was responsible for the sudden halt, he hinted that the six-time NBA champion is known for holding grudges.
“But let me say this, Molly. MJ is petty as hell, too,” Perkins added, referring to First Take host Molly Qerim. His remark aligns with longstanding narratives about Jordan’s competitive nature and how he responds to perceived slights.
Jordan Brand has been one of the most influential sneaker lines in history, with only a select group of athletes and media figures receiving consistent shipments of exclusive releases. Perkins’ comments suggest that public opinions about basketball’s greatest player may influence access to such perks.
The debate over the greatest NBA player of all time remains one of the most discussed topics in basketball. While many consider Jordan’s six championships and undefeated Finals record as the ultimate standard, others argue that James’ longevity, statistical achievements, and all-around dominance make him the greatest.
Perkins has been vocal in his support for James, often citing his all-time scoring record and versatility. His stance has occasionally sparked pushback from Jordan supporters, but he has remained firm in his position.
