2008 NBA champion and 14-year NBA veteran Kendrick Perkins has been named as the general manager of Jackson State. Since his retirement in 2018, Perkins has been better known for his broadcasting career as an analyst on ESPN.
Fans reacted to the news, with some unsure he’s the right person to lead the recruiting side of a college basketball program.
“I doubt he can put together a a team that can even win a single game,” wrote one skeptical fan
“Kendrick Perkins as Jackson State GM is just another case of media clout and identity politics being rewarded over actual front office experience or proven results,” lamented another person
“can’t wait for his official scouting reports to just be 3 pages of him talking about who “has that dawg in ’em” instead of actual basketball stats,” said one individual
Others thought this was a great move for the school.
“Perk taking the GM job at Jackson State. That’s dope. He gets to help young dudes and pour into the community while keeping the ESPN gig. Man I wonder how this changes his takes on TV. Will he bring that fire to the program? Excited to see what happens,” said another fan.
Others were happy… That he was leaving TV.
“Congrats Perk on the GM bag But real question… does this mean we finally get you off our TV screens or nah?,” asked one fan
Kendrick Perkins’ statement on becoming Jackson State’s GM
Following the announcement, Perkins gave a short and poignant statement to ESPN on the opportunity before him:
“I’m thankful for this opportunity to impact young lives and pour back into my community,” Perkins told ESPN.
There has been no announcement on whether he will leave his broadcasting career. This is his first operations/coaching-related role at the college level or above in his career.
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