"Who died and gave you the keys": Kendrick Perkins eviscerates Bill Simmons in explosive statement in no-holds-barred take

Sportswriter Bill Simmons did not like former NBA player Kendrick Perkins’ analysis of the Toronto Raptors’ draft day move on Wednesday. Perkins said the Raptors would be a “top 6 seed” after using the No. 9 pick on former South Carolina star Collin Murray-Boyles. Simmons said in his podcast that he looked for a different channel after Perkins’ made his comments on ESPN.

On Friday, Perkins responded to Simmons:

(4:40)

“What is your problem with me? I’m qualified to give my opinion about the game of basketball, my guy. … My problem with you? Who the f**k gave you the keys and told you you was the gatekeeper to the game of basketball. You’re gatekeeping. Who died and gave you the keys to basketball?”

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During the NBA draft, Kendrick Perkins said that the Toronto Raptors could “make some noise” in the Eastern Conference next season. In his podcast on Friday, he explained that his analysis was based on the Raptors’ personnel and the injuries of key opposing players.

Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton tore his Achilles in the NBA Finals roughly a week ago, making his appearance doubtful for next season. Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum and Milwaukee Bucks point guard Damian Lillard are also dealing with the same injuries as Haliburton.

According to Perkins, he sees the Cleveland Cavaliers, the New York Knicks and the Orlando Magic as the favorites. The Toronto Raptors, with RJ Barrett, Scottie Barnes, Brandon Ingram and Immanuel Quickley, are quite formidable. They only got stronger after drafting Collin Murray-Boyles.

Kendrick Perkins blasted Bill Simmons for taking “Heineken” before doing the podcast.

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Kendrick Perkins tells Bill Simmons not to be “bitter” and “move on” after split with ESPN

Kendrick Perkins’ response to Bill Simmons did end his rant with the Toronto Raptors. The former Boston Celtics center continued:

(6:00)

“Just because ESPN don’t cover the way you would like them to cover the game of basketball or the tweets you would like them to make, don’t make it f**king wrong. … You’re coming off bitter my guy. … Move on! Get over it!”

Bill Simmons left ESPN in 2015 after 14 years with the brand calling itself the "Worldwide Leader in Sports". The Ringer CEO said in a 2023 interview on the “SI Media with Jimmy Traina” that he has “no bad blood” with the network. Simmons added that his work there “elevated them” just as the company “elevated me.”

Kendrick Perkins could not disagree more and urged Simmons not to show bitterness and “move on.”

Edited by Michael Macasero