As bold and controversial as he could be, Kendrick Perkins now is a renowned name in the media industry. From his controversy with LeBron James to him changing his stance on the Boston Celtics‘ win, Perk managed to make the media headlines quite often. However, now it’s time for the ESPN analyst to take a break from his work life.

“After completing another year of covering the NBA. I’m Headed back the crib to be with my wife and children,” read the caption to his IG post. Perk further emphasized this year to be a special one for him. “Ive been on the main stage since October, 4 commercials and have become one of the most notable faces in this media game,” he added. Apart from this, the 2008 NBA champ made a promise to himself and maybe to the fans as well. “Btw im just getting started!!! This Chapter will be better than my last Chapter!” 

Offering his praise to the “most high,” the former NBA star further appreciated ESPN for letting him be himself on the network. Perk has time and again emphasized he succeeded with the whole media thing because he stayed himself and did not try to be someone else. “I think it’s working out because I’m real, man,” he had stated when he signed an extension with the Network back in 2021.

His appreciation through this journey also spread to his friends and colleagues who he works with every day. From disinterest to finding a home here, Perkins is sure on a good run.

The past few years have been quite successful for Kendrick Perkins as a media figure. He may frequently be involved in controversial opinions and feuds for his unapologetic takes. But the fact of the matter is he usually gains high engagement with these opinions and takes. He has been on multiple platforms at ESPN including “The Jump,” “First Take,” “Get Up,” and “Hoop Streams,” which are reported to have averaged 780,000 viewers per episode.

Call it the response witnessed, the ESPN signed a multi-year extension to retain him at the network in that reportedly earns him $1.5 million. Now, it may surprise some that Perk never had plans as such to enter the television industry.

“Happened by accident”: Kendrick Perkins on his media career

Appearing on an episode of ‘The Old Man and the Three’ podcast in 2022, the ex-Celtics star stated his rise in media was not on purpose. “It happened by accident… I never had interest in being on TV or in the media, but I always respected the media as a player,” he said. As stated by Perk, it all started with a DM on X (formerly Twitter) from a producer from Undisputed.

The producer wanted the former NBA star to appear on Undisputed with Skip and Shannon. Kendrick agreed to it without a thought, and subsequently, the network wanted him for another day. Soon Undisputed wanted Perkins to cover the remainder of the playoffs as well.

In no time, the 2008 NBA champ’s bold takes and predictions caught ESPN’s attention as well. The $24 Billion network approached him in a similar fashion to Undisputed on Twitter. “I go to Bristol and I remember my first time on Get Up, I go on and say Kawhi Leonard mimics Michael Jordan and the s**t went viral. All of a sudden, ESPN started calling me back,” he recalled on the podcast. From that point, there has been no looking back for the former NBA star, considering the popularity he gained as an ESPN analyst.

Stay tuned for more such updates. And to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, has to say about the Reese-Clark rivalry and more, watch this video.