The NBA is an ever-evolving league. It is graced by exceptional talents every now and then, completely changing the dynamic of how the game is played. Be it Magic Johnson and the Showtime Lakers in the 1980s or Stephen Curry and the Warriors in the 2010s, players have often evolved the sport in immeasurable ways. However, some players stand the test of time and remain relevant in any era. A former NBA champion recently stated that he believes he can stay relevant in today’s NBA, but in a humble position.

With the rampant change in the NBA’s game-style, keeping up with the evolving trend may seem toilsome. The league does not offer much stability for players to adapt. However, the players have always had respect for every generation before and after them. Interestingly, a legendary Philadelphia 76ers forward issued some major disrespect to today’s NBA. This statement from the Sixers legend also caught criticism from the NBA champion while establishing his position in the league.

A former champion proves his relevance in the modern-day NBA

Teams in the NBA always require a superstar to guide them to the coveted championship. However, without the perfect mix of stars and role players, the teams may crumble. Kendrick Perkins played this exact role back in his day. Big Perk served some of the most successful rosters in the league, also winning a championship with the Boston Celtics in 2008. In his time, Perkins was an underrated defensive presence. However, he feels his game can still be relevant in contemporary times.

“The thing that people don’t realize is that I was a underrated pick-and-roll defender. Like I was underrated… I had enough basketball IQ that I would’ve been able to survive,” he said to Patrick Beverley on his podcast.

He further added, “I would’ve found my niche. Now, would I have been a starter? Hell no. But I’m damn sure I would’ve been a backup center. I could give you a Hartenstein giving you in New York right now… There’s no knock on him. I’m just saying I could come in and give you that type of role.”

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Perkins quoted $16M worth Isaiah Hartenstein of the New York Knicks as an example to state his relevance in today’s NBA. However, he also shunned the disrespect to the current generation that Julius ‘Dr. J’ Erving had while naming his top-10-all-time list.

Perkins shuns Dr. J’s disrespect

Kendrick Perkins may have been a humble role player during his time in the league but has been a dominant force off-court. The 38-year-old has made his opinions heard every opportunity he got over the years. Similarly, when Sixers legend Julius Erving disrespected the current generation, Big Perk needed to have his say.

On the same segment of Beverley’s podcast, Perkins talked about the disrespect the current generation receives. “I see so many old heads right, they have a problem with giving credit to the new generation. Like we just need to face it, the new generation is just more skilled… It’s just another level to it,” said the former champion.

Reacting to Erving’s top-ten-all-time list, he said, “I saw some clips of Dr. J right… Basically killing this generation of hoopers and he came out with that bulls*** list… So many young guys pay homage to all the old greats that paved the way… They don’t get the same in return bro and that bothers me.” [sic]

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Perkins indeed made some thought-provoking comments about Dr. J’s list. The list has received its fair share of criticism since Erving put it out.