(Video) NBA Veterans Go on Expletive-Filled Argument over USA’s Basketball Culture

Former NBA players Kendrick Perkins and Richard Jefferson had a heated argument over American youth basketball.

(Video) NBA Veterans Go on Expletive-Filled Argument over USA’s Basketball Culture

Richard Jefferson (Left) and Kendrick Perkins (Right) (image credits - Firstsportz)

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It is not the first time former NBA players Kendrick Perkins and Richard Jefferson have had heated exchanges, and it certainly won’t be the last. The two former champions have gone at it several times on ESPN, and their latest argument was on youth American basketball and how AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) basketball is ruining the sport for young kids.

AAU basketball has been pivotal to American basketball over the years. For the last few decades, it has provided young and aspiring players with development and national exposure. Several NBA superstars such as LeBron James, Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant have played AAU basketball.

It was even prioritized over high school basketball due to more exposure and recognition which would help them get noticed by scouts. Michael Porter Jr. even claimed that his practice sessions at Mokan in AAU were the hardest, probably even harder than pro and college-level basketball.

But over the last few years, there have been criticisms surrounding the AAU. Critics have claimed that the AAU is prioritizing more games to increase their profits over player development, which has caused some concern amongst former NBA players and basketball fans in the United States.

Kendrick Perkins and Richard Jefferson have clashed on the Road Trippin’ Show before. Their most recent argument being the Giannis Antentokounmpo trade drama with the Milwaukee Bucks. The two clashed once again over youth basketball in America.

Jefferson started off by being critical of the development programs and how they do not help the young kids today.

You’re saying you’re up by 30 in a place where kids are supposed to learn how to play basketball and you want to stick your chest out. If kids are up by 30, the goal is to learn how to play basketball not to treat these kids like that. Y’all can win by 30, 40, that’s cute, that is not the best way to teach and train basketball.

Perkins disagreed with Jefferson’s statements and supported the current system.

I’m developing a f****ng killer mentality. He (Jefferson) is the problem. This is why the league is f****ng soft. This is why American players are soft. You going to learn that when you go to certain tournaments, you’re going there to play the smoke. They go by points so it ain’t no f****ng mercy rule.

There have been talks about young players playing in a lot of games, which is leading to many of them experiencing burnout at some point. While AAU provides many opportunities, it is clear that changes are needed to address the challenges facing youth basketball.

Fans pick their side over the Perkins-Jefferson argument

Both former players made valid points, and it is hard to completely disagree with their statements, but the argument caught fire across social media, and the fans were quick to jump in and pick their side of the argument. Here are some of the reactions:

Is foul-baiting killing the game?

There have been a lot of talks when it comes to foul-baiting and flopping in the NBA. Several superstars such as Nikola Jokic, Luka Doncic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Brunson and more have been accused of foul-baiting and getting calls in their favor. Brunson even had to defend himself from these allegations in a podcast.

Luka Doncic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Luka Doncic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander are first and third in free throw attempts this season (Image credits – NBA)

A few weeks back, Boston Celtics star Jalen Brown went as far as saying that one needs to learn ‘flopping’ to be in the MVP conversation in his live stream. His statements led to widespread discussions regarding this issue. Perkins dived into the topic of whether foul-baiting is killing the game or just high-level basketball IQ.

Its okay to hunt fouls. Its okay to foul-bait. We have seen so many greats do it. What’s the big thing? If you’re struggling and you’re playing with Hall of Famers, they have the mindset that if they’re struggling from the field and their shot is not falling, they are saying ‘we are going to get to the free throw line’. Its part of being clever, its part of having IQ.

Perkins does make valid points. Elite scorers and former MVP winners have all been accused of foul-baiting. If the officials call it, then there should not be any problems with it, as it is a part of the game at the end of the day.

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