Retired NBA center Kendrick Perkins has made a transition in his professional career. After he retired, he joined ESPN’s broadcasting crew as an analyst in 2019 and also served as an analyst for NBC Boston.
On Friday, the 2008 NBA champion is now moving away from his broadcasting career to pursue another profession. Following insider Shams Charania’s initial report, Perkins confirmed his role as the general manager of the Jackson State basketball program.
ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith took to social media to congratulate Perkins on his new role.
“Haaaa! My man Big Perk @KendrickPerkins is the new GM of an HBCU!” Smith wrote. “Love it! If there’s anyone who’d be no-nonsense and make sure these kids know the real and have their heads on straight, it’s Big Perk. Proud of you bro!”
Kendrick Perkins reacted to Stephen A. Smith’s congratulatory message with a short, four-word response.
“Appreciate you my brother,” Perkins tweeted.
Kendrick Perkins skipped college and declared for the NBA draft straight out of high school. The Memphis Grizzlies drafted him with the No. 27 pick in 2003. However, he was immediately traded to the Boston Celtics, along with Marcus Banks, in exchange for Troy Bell and Dahntay Jones.
During his 14-season NBA career, Perkins played for the Oklahoma City Thunder, Cleveland Cavaliers and New Orleans Pelicans. He was a part of the Celtics team that won the NBA championship during the 2007-08 season.
Jackson State coach Trey Johnson shares his thoughts on Kendrick Perkins joining the program as the new GM
Trey Johnson has been the associate head coach of the Jackson State basketball team since 2022 alongside Mo Williams. However, he was named as Williams’ replacement after he left to join Kentucky as an assistant in April.
On Friday, Johnson shared a statement after Kendrick Perkins was announced as the new general manager of the program.
“I am extremely excited about Kendrick Perkins joining our program as a General Manager,” Johnson said. “This partnership represents a significant step forward in our commitment to building a championship-caliber program while creating meaningful opportunities for our student-athletes beyond the court.
“In this evolving landscape of college athletics, we are certain that Kendrick’s knowledge, passion and enthusiasm for the game of basketball and sports media will provide tremendous value to our student-athletes, our program, university and community as a whole.”
Jackson State has not qualified for the NCAA Tournament since 2007. Last season, they finished with a 12-21 (10-8 SWAC) record.
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