Latest news with #2021Finals
Time of India
4 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
'They went after my kids' — Kendrick Perkins reveals shocking situation Following Giannis Antetokounmpo take
Kendrick Perkins report after the game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers during Game Three of the 2025 NBA Finals (Image via Getty Images) In the 2021 Finals, Kendrick Perkins called Khris Middleton "Batman" and Giannis Antetokounmpo "Robin." This comment led to a lot of online discussions and debates among fans, but it escalated when Perkins began receiving threats against him and his family. ESPN responded swiftly, and the authorities were able to identify and apprehend the person responsible. Kendrick Perkins calls Khris Middleton the Batman and Giannis Antetokounmpo the Robin In the 2021 Finals series, Kendrick Perkins, serving as an analyst on ESPN, made a statement that sparked a lot of debate. Perkins, a 14-year NBA veteran who won a championship with the Boston Celtics in 2008, indicated that Khris Middleton was the "Batman" of the Bucks—implying he was the key leader and finisher while Giannis Antetokounmpo was the "Robin," the supportive sidekick. This analogy, taken from the legendary DC Comics duo, was intended to emphasize Middleton's composure in critical moments, but many interpreted it as downplaying Antetokounmpo's role. Perkins shared his thoughts on ESPN broadcasts back then, highlighting Middleton's knack for making clutch shots and generating his own offense, particularly when defenses were focused on stopping Antetokounmpo. "Khris Middleton is Batman on this team," Perkins remarked during a 2021 segment, as noted by various NBA media outlets. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villas For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You Villas in Dubai | Search Ads Get Info Undo "Giannis is Robin—he's the one who sets things up, but Middleton finishes the job. ". The online world exploded with backlash, memes, and mockery towards Perkins, who has made a name for himself with his bold and sometimes controversial takes since he switched to media after his basketball career. While much of the feedback was lighthearted ribbing—something you see a lot in NBA Twitter—not everyone was respectful. Kendrick Perkins describes chilling threats sent to him and his wife According to Perkins, the threats were both persistent and precise. They came through direct messages on social media to his and his wife's accounts, containing violent promises like 'I am going to kill your kids; I know where you stay. I am going to murder you.' It's pretty alarming how much detail was shared—like the locations and daily habits of family members—because it implies the sender had probably done some research or stalking. Recognizing the seriousness, Perkins didn't hesitate to act. He immediately reported the threats to ESPN's security team, leveraging the network's resources for protection. 'I told ESPN, and they handled it,' On the podcast, Perkins shared the details. ESPN, recognized for its solid protocols to ensure employee safety during significant controversies, initiated an investigation. They traced the messages to one individual, who was promptly identified and taken into custody by law enforcement. Shortly after, the culprit was "locked up," as Perkins described it, dealing with charges for the threats. Perkins mentioned that the suspect later insisted he was just venting his frustration as an enthusiastic fan, but the authorities took the situation very seriously. Also Read: 'F**k that tooth!' — Derrick White's Game 5 moment was more savage than anything Luka Doncic did in the Finals Perkins shared with his podcast co-hosts that ultimately, it's just basketball—but when the wrong people step in, it can escalate into something way more troubling. Fans and analysts should remember this: debate with passion, but keep it respectful. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Time of India
01-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Devin Booker in talks with Phoenix Suns on $150 million extension after career-best assist season
(Image Source - Getty Images) The Phoenix Suns aren't planning to reset, and Devin Booker is on the same page. Coming off a season where he averaged a career-high 7.1 assists and 25.6 points per game, this four-time All-Star is now at the center of a significant negotiation. Phoenix is in deep discussions for a two-year, $150 million max extension to keep their franchise guard in place. Trading Kevin Durant for Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks signals a shift in Phoenix Suns roster strategy Devin Booker, a standout for the Phoenix Suns, was selected 13th overall in the 2015 draft and has spent his entire decade in the NBA playing in the desert. He has participated in 673 games, averaging 24.4 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game. During the recently wrapped up 2024–25 season, he raised his performance, averaging 25.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, and a career-high 7.1 assists in 75 games. The Suns, riding the ups and downs since the 2021 Finals, took a nosedive this season with a 36–46 record, leading to their first playoff miss since that Finals run. Nevertheless, Phoenix is committed to continuity, reportedly working to secure Booker through 2027 with a two-year, $150 million extension—a max deal by any definition. The offseason for Phoenix has been quite eventful: they sent Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets in exchange for Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the No. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo 10 pick (which turned into Khaman Maluach), and five second-round picks. At the same time, Booker has stepped up as a sort of leader, playing a key role in the coaching search that brought in Jordan Ott and sharing his thoughts on the Durant trade. The Suns don't have much draft capital, so a complete rebuild isn't really an option. This makes keeping their all-time leading scorer a top priority, especially after he broke Walter Davis's franchise record of 16,452 points on February 3, 2025. Booker's strong presence shows he's more than just numbers; he's the voice and the driving force behind Phoenix's identity. Devin Booker, who is now 28, is likely at the peak of his career, averaging a personal best in assists while still scoring and being efficient. The suggested contract would give him $75 million each year—making him the highest-paid player in NBA history on an annual basis. When compared to deals like Jaylen Brown's, it seems like a long-term investment in his ongoing top-tier performance. Also Read: Chris Paul is choosing between the Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Clippers and everything is on the line Some critics say that committing to such a high salary could limit future roster changes, particularly since Phoenix doesn't have many draft assets and is currently underperforming. However, Suns fans argue that keeping your franchise player is way more important than taking risks on future draft picks or free agents. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
