Kendrick Perkins, Richard Jefferson send major warning over NBA globalization
Former NBA players Kendrick Perkins and Richard Jefferson expressed concerns over the league's continued globalization efforts, warning that the trend may negatively impact the development of American basketball players. The discussion took place on the latest episode of the Road Trippin podcast, where both former players cited the growing international talent pool as a challenge for U.S.-based prospects.
Perkins, who spent 14 seasons in the NBA and now serves as an analyst, emphasized that the increasing global reach of the league has widened the talent gap between American players and their international counterparts. Drawing from a recent experience at an AAU tournament, he warned that many families in the United States may not fully understand the level of competition developing overseas.
'The NBA being global doesn't help American basketball players,' Perkins said. 'And I'm just thinking about it because I was in the AAU gym for the past week, this past weekend. And I'm watching all these kids in there. Great talent. And I'm watching these kids in there. And I'm listening to the dads, the moms, the aunties, the grand moms, and they screaming. They want their kid to get 20. They think this kid is better than this kid. The top ranked kids. All this stuff, right. In my mind, I'm saying you mother f—–ers don't have a clue because they have six Wemby's in France. They probably have about seven in each class. Seven Luka's and Jokic's out there that we don't know about. We probably won't hear about them until your kid is actually a senior, right? And then in Africa, they probably got…'
Kendrick Perkins, Richard Jefferson highlight MVP trend as NBA ramps up global expansion talks
Jefferson, who also enjoyed a lengthy NBA career and now works as a broadcaster, pointed to the infrastructure being built internationally to develop talent similar to NBA stars like Joel Embiid and Giannis Antetokounmpo.
'The Basketball Africa League. They're looking for those Embiids and those Giannis' and those Pascals,' Jefferson said. 'They're looking for them.'
Perkins added that the international surge is already visible at the highest level of the NBA.
'I'm telling you. And listen, they probably have about 40 over there that they looking at,' Perkins continued. 'And it just brings me back to the space of look at who has been our last what MVPs over the last six years. We have yet to have an American win the MVP. That tells me that other countries, it's a separation of development in the game of basketball.'
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, a Canadian-born guard, became the latest international star to win the NBA's Most Valuable Player award for the 2024–25 season. He followed previous MVP winners Joel Embiid (Cameroon), Nikola Jokic (Serbia), and Giannis Antetokounmpo (Greece), extending the streak of non-American recipients to seven consecutive years.
Their comments come just a day after NBA Commissioner Adam Silver met with UK leaders and major stakeholders to explore the creation of a potential European league under the NBA's umbrella. The move signals the league's intensified global ambitions, further raising questions about the future of American player development.
Related: Why Richard Jefferson is taking Karl Malone over Charles Barkley
Related: Kendrick Perkins discloses own gambling issues amid Marcus Morris fraud charge
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
42 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Steph Curry Says He Knew Bronny James Was Special As A Toddler: ‘He Going Somewhere'
Steph Curry Says He Knew Bronny James Was Special As A Toddler: 'He Going Somewhere' originally appeared on Fadeaway World. Steph Curry has competed against LeBron James on the NBA's biggest stage, but this week, he shared a far more personal story, a reminder of just how far the James legacy reaches. During an appearance on the '360 With Speedy' podcast, Curry recalled seeing Bronny James as a toddler and instantly recognizing something special in the way he moved. Years later, Curry is watching that same kid suit up in the league—and like many around the NBA, he still can't believe how fast the moment came. 'I remember how athletic Bronny looked that night, couldn't have been more than three or four,' Curry said on the '360 With Speedy' Podcast. 'And how fast he ran across the court, I'm like, 'He going somewhere.' And now to see him in the league is crazy.' At 37 years old, Stephen Curry has been in the NBA for the past 16 years, enough time for him to witness a whole new generation rise up in the league. Arguably, the biggest reminder of his experience is playing with Bronny James, the son of his biggest NBA rival (LeBron James). Steph first saw Bronny as a toddler—and now he's sharing the court with both father and son after James Jr. was drafted in 2024. As Steph witnessed first-hand, Bronny did not have the typical path to the NBA. Unlike most prospects, Bronny was born into basketball royalty thanks to the status of his dad, who has been one of the game's biggest stars since before he was born. Since he was old enough to dribble, Bronny has been living and breathing basketball, putting in a lot of work to live up to his family name. While he doesn't have the same body or natural skills as LeBron does, Bronny was still able to earn his place in the NBA, and expectations are rising for the 2025-26 season. For his part, Bronny has been putting in the work to maximize his development through stints in the G-League and NBA Summer League. He may even make an appearance in the Drew League as another way to get some run-time against pro-level players. With career averages of 2.3 points, 0.7 rebounds, and 0.8 assists, it's clear that James Jr. still has a long way to go before he's satisfied with his game. But at just 20 years old, he has more than enough time to expand his arsenal and become the kind of high-impact player that teams across the league are looking for. Of course, with three years left on his current deal, Bronny still has plenty of time to earn a bigger contract in the NBA. For Steph Curry, who has spent nearly two decades battling the best, Bronny James is more than just another young prospect; he's a living symbol of basketball's passing torch. What started as a blur of energy from a toddler sprinting across the floor is now a growing NBA career, built under the brightest spotlight in sports. Bronny's story is still being written, but one thing's for sure: he's going story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jul 25, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
42 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Luka Doncic Claps Back At Past Fitness Critics: "I Was Still A Pretty Good Player"
Luka Doncic Claps Back At Past Fitness Critics: "I Was Still A Pretty Good Player" originally appeared on Fadeaway World. Luka Doncic has heard the noise, but he's no longer letting it define him. After years of catching flak for his conditioning and focus, the 26-year-old superstar is embracing a new chapter in his career. In a recent interview, Doncic acknowledged the criticism but made it clear that he's never lost confidence in his game, even at his so-called 'worst.' For Luka, this summer wasn't about proving doubters wrong; it was about evolving into the version of himself that can carry the Lakers into a new era. 'Honestly, I try not to read much into it,' Doncic said on the TODAY Show. 'I still think I was a pretty good basketball player back then, no matter what people say. But I think it was the next step of my career, and in the end, I'm still 26 and I have a long way to go.' For Doncic, his career hit a low point back in February, when he was traded from the Mavericks in a shocking turn of events. Even at his 'worst,' Doncic remained one of the league's most dominant players with career averages of 28.6 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game on 43.8% shooting. The justification for the deal was poor conditioning and work ethic from Doncic, whose flaws were exposed under the spotlight of the 2024 NBA Finals. It all led up to the Mavericks trading him last season in a deal for Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick. The move inspired Luka to get his act together, and what followed was a total physical and mental reset, one that's already drawing rave reviews around the league and setting the stage for a career-defining season in Los Angeles. According to the latest sightings, Doncic is in the best shape of his life thanks to a new training and diet regimen that has kept his body in peak condition. He's also been working closely with the Lakers all summer long to ensure a seamless transition next season with LeBron James and a revamped roster. As it stands, Doncic is set up to take revenge on the Mavericks and make them regret letting him go. Of course, he was still pretty good without this extra work. As a 5x All-Star, 5x All-NBA player, and 1x scoring champion, he's already accomplished more than most players, and the Mavericks will never get to know what they could have won with a few more years of his leadership. In the end, Luka Doncic clearly isn't just looking for redemption; he's building a legacy. The pressure in Los Angeles is unlike anything he's faced before, but this version of Luka seems ready for it. With a new body, a sharpened mindset, and a chip on his shoulder, Doncic has turned the page. If he delivers, the Lakers will have more than just a superstar, they'll have their next great leader and someone who can join the ranks of countless legends who came before him. If the Mavericks start to fall in the process? It might just make his revenge tour all the story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jul 30, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
42 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Luka Doncic Makes It Clear, Wants LeBron James To Retire In Los Angeles
Luka Doncic Makes It Clear, Wants LeBron James To Retire In Los Angeles originally appeared on Fadeaway World. Luka Doncic isn't here for the trade noise. As rumors continue to swirl around LeBron James' future with the Los Angeles Lakers, one thing has become increasingly clear, Doncic doesn't want to see LeBron play for any other franchise. According to a report from Dallas Hoops Journal, Doncic is not just supportive of LeBron staying put; he wants the NBA's all-time leading scorer to end his career in purple and gold. Despite growing tensions around LeBron's timeline and the franchise's shift toward building around Doncic, the Slovenian superstar has made his stance known behind closed doors. Following LeBron's decision to opt into the final year of his deal, Rich Paul's cryptic comments started the storm, and an ESPN report about LeBron feeling 'disrespected' by how the Lakers pivoted to Doncic sparked a wildfire. Yet neither LeBron's camp nor the Lakers front office has made any formal push toward a trade or buyout. Meanwhile, Doncic is doing everything to extinguish the noise. Doncic idolized LeBron growing up. Their bond last season grew stronger with each passing game, and Luka continues to regard LeBron as the best possible partner he could have on the floor, even at age 40. The respect runs deep, and Doncic knows how rare it is to share the court with a legend who can still dominate. In the 23 games they played together last season, the Lakers went 15–8. Doncic averaged 27.7 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 7.3 assists in that stretch, while LeBron was right behind with 23.7 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 6.7 assists. The duo clicked. Even though the Lakers exited the playoffs early, falling to the Timberwolves in five games, Doncic isn't questioning the partnership. In fact, he's doubling down. Sources close to the team indicate that Luka is not just tolerating LeBron's presence; he's actively recruiting around him. Following the departure of Dorian Finney-Smith to Houston, Doncic worked behind the scenes to bring in Marcus Smart and Deandre Ayton. He's embraced the role of franchise leader, undergone a massive offseason physical transformation to silence conditioning critics, and is widely expected to sign a long-term extension in the coming week. What's more, LeBron seems equally invested. Despite the speculation about his future, he hasn't made a single public move suggesting a departure. His awareness, long regarded as one of his best traits, is guiding him here. He knows he's unlikely to find a better co-star than Doncic without jumping through buyout hoops. Even if the Lakers decide to move off LeBron's salary next summer, Luka's presence would give them no choice but to keep the door open for an extension or fresh deal. If Doncic wants LeBron there, LeBron stays. LeBron is still playing at an All-NBA level, earning Second Team honors and finishing sixth in MVP voting last season. He's not being carried; he's still leading. Doncic knows this better than anyone, and he's committed to ensuring LeBron finishes his journey with dignity, in Los Angeles. The message is simple: this is not a rivalry, it's a partnership. Luka Doncic wants LeBron James to retire as a Laker, and as long as he's leading the franchise, that wish might just come story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jul 31, 2025, where it first appeared.
