Kendrick Perkins is now widely recognized for his outspoken takes as an NBA analyst. Before he was a television personality, Perkins carved out a solid NBA career. It all started when he was drafted in the legendary 2003 NBA Draft straight out of high school.
Just before Game 2 of the NBA Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers, Kendrick Perkins made a confident claim. While walking toward the tunnel, a reporter stopped him with a question about which NBA Draft class he believes is the greatest of all time. Without hesitation, Perkins confidently claimed that the 2003 draft stands above the rest.
“2003. Forget 1996, forget 2009. 2003! Look, me, Bron, everyone else!” Perkins said.
Reporter: “What’s the greatest NBA Draft class of all time?”
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) June 8, 2025
Kendrick Perkins: “2003. Forget 1996, forget 2009. 2003! Look, me, Bron, everyone else!”
(via @TomerAzarly) pic.twitter.com/n5g3rzAjNQ
The 2003 NBA Draft is widely considered one of the most stacked classes in league history. LeBron James was the top pick, but the class also featured Carmelo Anthony, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, David West, and, of course, Perkins himself. Multiple All-Stars and future Hall of Famers emerged from that single draft.
Kendrick Perkins Slams Tyrese Haliburton’s Play After Game 2
Tyrese Haliburton faced some challenges during Game 2 of the NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder. His performance fell under scrutiny, particularly as expectations were high for him to lead the Pacers offensively. Following the loss, NBA analyst Kendrick Perkins shared his doubts about Haliburton delivering a breakout performance in the upcoming game.
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“I don’t believe he can. We’re talking about one of the best defensive teams in NBA history. Tyrese Haliburton is not known for elite scoring,” Perkins said.
Hali finished with 17 points, three rebounds, and six assists. In the fourth quarter, Haliburton scored 12 of his 17 points. He shot 5-of-6 from the field, including 2-of-3 from beyond the arc, and added two assists during that stretch. It was a strong finish, but it remains to be seen whether Haliburton can consistently maintain that level of play against OKC’s lockdown defense.
