The modern era of the NBA has evolved the game of basketball.
A couple of decades ago, the most dominant basketball players were often the tallest players. However, as the years have passed, fans are seeing more small guards succeed in the league.
For instance, Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry is 6’2″, yet he is one of the faces of the league.
But does that mean it’s easier for small guards to dominate? Certainly not.
Photo by Slaven Vlasic/Getty ImagesKendrick Perkins addresses Kevin Durant’s statement on smaller guards
Houston Rockets star Kevin Durant made an appearance on LeBron James‘ podcast, Mind The Game, where he discussed a plethora of things.
It included KD claiming that players 6’2″ or below are no longer starting caliber stars in the NBA, unless they are a particular archetype. Upon hearing that, Kendrick Perkins called out the Slim Reaper.
Fast forward to today, and Perkins further bolstered his point, stating: “When it comes down to whether or not the 6’2, 6’3, and under guards don’t exist anymore, I think they exist more now today than they ever have.”
He added: “Jalen Brunson, Fred VanVleet, Steph Curry, Damian Lillard. And you look at guys like Tyrese Maxey, right?”
The examples that Perkins listed show that even smaller guards can be successful, especially on the offensive end of the floor.
Kendrick Perkins believes Kevin Durant took a dig at Bronny James
Adding more to his point, Big Perk believes that Durant was taking a shot at LeBron’s son, Bronny James, who is 6’2″.
“What I took from it as well, you’re sitting on Mind the Game and KD says this, but Bronny is 6’2. So you’re telling LeBron that, you know what I mean?” Perkins continued.
While Bronny did struggle to play well during his rookie year with the Los Angeles Lakers, James Jr. has already shown impressive signs of improvement during the 2025 NBA Summer League.
Keeping that in mind, Perkins backs Bronny to find his niche in the league.
“Bronny is going to find his niche. It’s not going to be at an All-Star level. But I believe he’s going to find his niche. Go be a Davion Mitchell,” Perkins concluded.