Kendrick Perkins says he’s concerned about Cavs’ smaller backcourt in playoffs

ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins was asked which NBA team he thinks could be on “upset alert” when it comes to the postseason.

Perkins, a former Cavaliers center, picked the Cavaliers (much to the dismay of fellow analyst Tim Legler). 

“I’m going with the Cleveland Cavaliers,” Perkins said.

“You gotta be kidding me,” replied an exasperated Legler. “I knew you were a non-believer.”

But Big Perk would not be deterred. He pointed to the Cavs’ smaller backcourt of Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland — singling out Garland specifically.

“I have concerns about their small backcourt, OK, when it comes down to the postseason,” Perkins said. “Especially Darius Garland. I think he’s gonna go through those same problems that Steph Curry went through.”

ESPN broke out the film clips to help further Perkins’ point on Garland.

“They’re gonna search him out in the postseason,” Perkins said. “Right now, as far as guys being hunted in the pick-and-roll, he’s top 10 in the league. Also, the Cavs are eight points worse defensively when he’s on the floor.”

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Perkins also played for the Celtics, of course, and it’s pretty clear that’s who he likes to emerge from the Eastern Conference. At least, it was pretty clear on this particular show.

“I think about (Boston’s) starting five, there’s no flaws with them defensively,” he said. “They’re big all across the board. The Cavs on the other hand? No.”

Legler continued his defense of the Cavaliers, telling Perkins that Perkins’ take was “very short-sighted.”

And guess what? It doesn’t really matter what the former players, experts, and even your favorite NBA writers (ahem) might think. All that matters is what happens on that court. Right now, the Cavs are at the top of the league. The playoffs can be dealt with once they arrive.

"I have concerns about their small backcourt when it comes down to the postseason."@kendrickperkins on why the Cavs could be on upset alert in playoffs 👀 pic.twitter.com/3UTin0c3Qt

— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) March 17, 2025