Kendrick Perkins calls out the hypocrisy around Nikola Jokic needing more help: "LeBron gets tired at 40 years old and people question his greatness"
Making a solid case for his fourth MVP, Nikola Jokic left us speechless on several occasions during the regular season. Whether it was him clinching a never-before-seen stat line of 30/20/20 or being the first center to average a triple-double for the entirety of the regular season, "The Joker" was sensational.
However, during playoff time, Jokic has shown signs that suggest he is not invincible. The three-time MVP has had some hiccups, especially in the series against the OKC Thunder. Even though he had a monster double-double in Game 5 with 44 and 15, "The Joker" struggled between Games 2 and 4.
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In a rarity, the seven-footer appeared exhausted on multiple occasions. No doubt, while the Thunder deserved all the credit for its defensive prowess, there have been growing murmurs about Jokic not receiving the desired help. Addressing this narrative, Kendrick Perkins pointed out at the hypocrisy displayed, comparing the Nuggets big man and LeBron James.
"Bron gets tired at 40 years old and people question his greatness… but Jokic gets tired and it's, 'he needs more help.' We gotta stop moving goal post," highlighted the former champion turned ESPN analyst.
This has once again ignited the argument around "King James" receiving unfair criticism during his career despite all his credentials.
The polarizing case of "King James"
There has never been a player like LBJ who has faced that much pressure and scrutiny from day one. Entering the league at the tender age of 18, the Cavaliers rookie went from being a boy to a man in no time. The media would have a field day comparing him to Michael Jordan.
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Under constant spotlight, James didn't let the noise get to his head. His decision to sign with the Miami Heat made him an overnight villain. Nonetheless, he achieved what he set out to do which was winning a championship. Returning to Cleveland for a second stint in 2014, the four-time MVP delivered on his promise of ending the 52-year-old championship drought and he's done so in the most iconic way as his Cavs won the chip after coming back from a 3-1 deficit in the Finals against the 79-3 Golden State Warriors.
But this didn't distract the four-time champion from his mission of achieving greatness. At 40 years old, James continues to play at an elite level. The veteran superstar has come out strong against all his naysayers, critics and doubters on most occasions.
Related: "For a guy who get paid $300 million, he should be a Top 10 player...I don't think he a Top 30 player" - Oakley shreds Brown's historic contract
Nuggets and their inconsistencies
When it comes to Denver, they had the same issue that has been troubling the team for a while now, probably since winning the chip in 2023. While "The Joker" remains consistent with his productivity, his teammates, especially Jamal Murray, need to take some load off him.
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Another major cause of concern has been Michael Porter Jr.'s low productivity during all five games so far. It's also time for veterans like Russell Westbrook to lead the second unit coming off the bench.
Heading back home for a must-win Game 6, the Nuggets are on the edge of ending their 2024-25 campaign. With the opposition's defense throwing the kitchen sink at Jokic, Denver needs Murray to channel his Bubble playoff version. Going into the summer, one can expect a lot of changes to take place in the Nuggets, especially when it comes to their bench.
Related: "It's worth your money to watch this guy play" - Tim Hardaway shares his 2025 MVP choice between Jokic and SGA
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