As one of the more outspoken figures in the NBA, Kendrick Perkins has never been shy about sharing his thoughts on his career, his teammates, and his legacy in the game. With a reputation as a fierce competitor and vocal leader, Perkins recently took to social media to address his leadership role with the Oklahoma City Thunder—one that he believes was crucial to the team’s success, particularly during its formative years with stars like Kevin Durant.
Speaking candidly about his time in Oklahoma City, Perkins sat down for a phone conversation to set the record straight about his role with the Thunder and to clarify his relationship with Durant. As a key piece of the Thunder’s core during their run to the NBA Finals in 2012, Perkins insists that his impact as the team’s leader and emotional anchor cannot be overstated.
“I Was the Glue” – Perkins Reflects on His Leadership
When discussing his time with the Thunder, Perkins didn’t mince words. “I was the glue,” he stated. “KD knows.” This candid assertion comes on the heels of Durant’s recent response to Perkins on Twitter, which many interpreted as a shot at the former Thunder big man. However, Perkins remains unfazed by Durant’s tweet, dismissing it as “trolling.”
As Perkins put it, “That was him trolling. He knows what the real was.” He believes Durant, who went on to win two NBA championships with the Golden State Warriors after his time in Oklahoma City, understands the true dynamics of the Thunder locker room. Perkins’ influence, according to him, was undeniable.
“I forced everybody to f*** with everybody,” Perkins continued. “When I got in there, I made sure that everyone was on the same page. I made sure we were all a unit.” For Perkins, his leadership was about more than just basketball skills—he was the emotional leader who held the team together during moments of adversity.
A Look Back at OKC’s Big 3: Perkins, Durant and Westbrook
During his tenure with the Thunder, Perkins was an integral part of the team’s frontcourt alongside Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden, all of whom were still early in their careers when Perkins joined in 2011. While Durant and Westbrook garnered most of the attention for their scoring and playmaking, Perkins viewed his role differently. He considered himself the defensive anchor and locker room leader who could bridge the gaps between personalities and styles of play.
It’s a perspective that some may have overlooked at the time, but those within the organization, including Thunder General Manager Sam Presti, head coach Scott Brooks, and former player Troy Weaver, understand Perkins’ value. As Perkins pointed out, “Ask Troy Weaver, Sam Presti, you can even ask Scott Brooks. KD knows!”
The Power of Leadership in Championship Contenders
What Perkins emphasizes most about his time in OKC is his role as the emotional and psychological glue that kept the team connected. His physical play in the paint was matched only by his vocal presence in the locker room.
While Durant, Westbrook, and Harden were all tasked with the primary scoring duties, it was Perkins’ leadership in the trenches that set the tone. He embodied the grit and toughness necessary for a team on the cusp of greatness. After joining the Thunder in a trade with the Boston Celtics, Perkins immediately understood what was needed from him.
“I forced everybody to be together,” he said. “That was my job, to make sure we were all on the same page. The best teams are the ones that can be close-knit as a group—without that, you’re not going to win anything.”
Acknowledging the Tension
In the years since Perkins left the Thunder and Durant eventually departed for the Warriors, there have been moments of tension between the two. Durant has been open about his frustrations with his time in Oklahoma City, and Perkins, too, has been vocal about how he felt about Durant’s departure.
Despite the occasional public spat, Perkins’ stance on his leadership role in OKC has not wavered. His assertion that Durant “knows” the truth about the team’s dynamic holds weight in the context of their shared history. Perkins was there when the Thunder were knocking on the door of a championship, and while Durant and others earned the accolades, Perkins never stopped believing in his value as a leader.
The Road to Legacy
Looking back on his career and the impact he had with the Thunder, Perkins is firm in his belief that he played a pivotal role in shaping Oklahoma City’s early success. His leadership, both on and off the court, was instrumental in pushing the team to the next level.
As time moves on and both Perkins and Durant continue their respective journeys, it’s clear that Perkins’ place in Thunder lore is secure. He remains confident in his legacy as one of the most important figures in the team’s history during that time.
And as for the occasional Twitter sparring with Durant? Perkins laughs it off. “I’m good. KD knows the truth. We’ve both moved on, but don’t get it twisted—I was the glue.”
In the world of professional basketball, leadership isn’t always about the points scored or the accolades won. Sometimes, it’s about making sure everyone is on the same page and ensuring that the team has the right chemistry to make the ultimate run. For Kendrick Perkins, that was his role—then, and now.
