Kendrick Perkins isn't happy with Kevin Durant's latest viral workout video – here's why

Every offseason, videos of NBA stars training together make the rounds on social media. Recently, one such clip gained significant attention after Houston Rockets superstar Kevin Durant was seen getting in an intense workout session with Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero.

However, former NBA player and current ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins was not particularly impressed by the viral workout. During a recent episode of ESPN's First Take, Perkins questioned Durant's offseason priorities.

“I’ve been seeing a video that’s been circulating of KD working out with Paolo Banchero and I appreciate the mentorship. But that’s mentorship needs to be going at the guys he’s actually going to be on the floor with this upcoming season,” Perkins said.

“I wanna see videos of KD in the lab with Jabari Smith, I wanna see videos of Sengun and Kevin Durant working out.”

Durant is preparing for his second full season with the Houston Rockets after arriving last year as part of a blockbuster seven-team trade. Throughout his career, he has earned a reputation as one of basketball's most dedicated "pure hoopers," frequently inviting elite players from around the league to join him for offseason training sessions.

Perkins' criticism was not aimed at Durant's willingness to mentor younger players. Instead, he argued that the focus of that mentorship should be on Houston's roster. Following the Rockets' first-round playoff exit last season, expectations are significantly higher, and Perkins believes Durant's offseason efforts should be centered on helping the franchise's young core take the next step.

According to Perkins, players such as Jabari Smith Jr. and Alperen Sengun would benefit greatly from extended offseason workouts with Durant. It would allow them to develop stronger on-court chemistry and better understand how to play alongside a high-usage superstar before the new season begins.

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