Kendrick Perkins accuses Nikola Jokic of Stat-Padding
MVP Frontrunner Nikola Jokic gets slammed for "Stat-Padding" by analyst Kendrick Perkins on ESPN's First Take

During a First Take segment earlier this week, ESPN Analyst Kendrick Perkins accused Nikola Jokic, the two-time reigning MVP, of stat-padding. During a semi-heated argument with Stephen A Smith about who should be the MVP this season between Joel Embiid and The Joker, Perkins brought up the Denver Nuggets’ offensive setup. A trigger-happy offense, with a high affinity to score on Catch and Shoot threes usually assisted by Jokic, was deemed a form of stat-padding by Perk. He accused Jokic of using this to his benefit to average double-digit assists.
The Denver Nuggets are having a terrific season with the best record in the NBA (44-19) and are the runaway favorites to win the West. They’re being led by Nikola Jokic’s historically efficient MVP campaign, averaging a triple-double with 24.6, 11.7 & 10. With Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. back from injury, Jokic is comfortably engaged in his role as a playmaking machine.
Kendrick Perkins is known for having controversial takes and this statement can probably be brushed away like it is another one of them. “We don’t keep the same energy for Jokic,” he said referring to the backlash Russell Westbrook received during his triple-double seasons. Russ was infamous for hanging around the rim too much for uncontested rebounds and not playing defense. Jokic’s case is different due to him being a Center and the primary rebounder for the team and not having to leave the paint much during possessions to play defense. ‘The Joker’s defense was also criticized by Perkins, which was never a strong suit for the center but the effort certainly is there.
After hitting his 100th career triple-double in a win against the Houston Rockets yesterday, Jokic was asked by a reporter what the achievement meant to him. Jokic in typical Joker fashion responded with a dry “When you’re stat-padding it’s easy you know!” retort.
JJ Redick strongly disagrees with Perkins, compares Nikola Jokic’s IQ to LeBron James

Retired NBA sharpshooter JJ Redick defended Nikola Jokic calling Perk’s statement “Ludicrous“, A sentiment that was strongly supported by the NBA Twitter World. “This is not a guy that cares about Stat-padding Perk!“, said JJ referring to Jokic’s ability to play the game naturally and not “fight it“. JJ also brought up the fact that the Nuggets are 23-0 when Jokic has a triple-double.
“Let’s not make up a narrative about a player,” he said while also reasoning that Perkins might be saying this to support a Joel Embiid for MVP conversation. Joel who has finished second in MVP voting each of the last two years has also been having a phenomenal season.
Fans have been saying that it’s not fair to compare the two players due to their wildly different playstyles and skill sets but both players themselves praised each other and connected for some smooth finishes during the All-Star game last week. JJ’s comment was met with a vicious reply from Perkins but hopefully, It’s all love as JJ ended the comment with “Love you Perk, but No!”.
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Gerard Crispin
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