Former Lakers star calls out Anthony Edwards on Thursday
On Thursday, Kendrick Perkins, a former NBA player and current ESPN analyst, issued a public apology to Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards. The apology came after Perkins faced backlash for comments made during a May 2025 episode of ESPN’s First Take. During the segment, Perkins suggested that Edwards, at 23 years old, was not yet ready to be considered the “face of the NBA” because he was not a “family man,” implying that being married with children was a necessary trait for such a role .(The US Sun, talkSPORT)
Perkins’ remarks drew immediate criticism from fans, analysts, and fellow NBA figures, who viewed his comments as inappropriate and irrelevant to evaluating a player’s on-court abilities. In his apology, Perkins clarified that his intent was not to attack Edwards personally but to provide commentary on what he perceived as qualities that could contribute to a player’s marketability and public image .(The Times of India)
Despite the apology, the incident sparked a broader discussion about the intersection of personal life and professional success in the NBA. Many argued that a player’s athletic performance and achievements should be the primary criteria for evaluating their status in the league, rather than their marital or parental status. The controversy highlighted the sensitivity surrounding public commentary on athletes’ personal lives and the evolving standards of what it means to be a leader in the NBA.(The US Sun)
Edwards, who has been instrumental in the Timberwolves’ recent success, including leading the team to consecutive Western Conference Finals appearances, has expressed disinterest in being labeled the NBA’s “face.” Instead, he focuses on his development and contributions to his team’s performance on the court. This incident serves as a reminder of the complexities athletes face in balancing their personal lives with public expectations and the scrutiny that comes with being in the spotlight.(The Guardian, The US Sun)♦
