Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant fired back at ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins on Monday, dismissing claims that the former NBA champion fueled his fame. In a sharp X post that garnered over 2 million views, Morant mocked Perkins’ assertion, writing, “you da reason for my notoriety perk? come on dawg . 😂 you showing em why ion fw yo kind.” The exchange reignites a feud rooted in Morant’s past controversies and Perkins’ shift from supporter to critic.
From Ally to Adversary
Perkins, a 2008 NBA champion with the Boston Celtics, once championed Morant, pushing ESPN to spotlight the Grizzlies guard. On a recent podcast with ex-Grizzlies Tony Allen and Zach Randolph, Perkins claimed he lobbied for Morant’s national exposure, boosting his ESPN game appearances from three to 52 annually. But Morant’s 2023 suspensions for flashing guns on Instagram Live soured Perkins’ view. “You f*** up, not only does that make you look bad, it makes me look bad,” Perkins said, admitting he no longer “f***s with Ja” despite liking his father.
The analyst has since toggled between criticism and encouragement, recently urging Morant to reclaim his status as a potential face of the NBA. This followed Morant’s injury-plagued seasons, including a current week-to-week ankle sprain sidelining him for the Grizzlies’ early 2025-26 games.
Morant’s Defiant Response
Morant didn’t hold back, quoting Perkins’ podcast clip and laughing off the idea that his stardom hinged on the analyst’s support. The 25-year-old, a two-time All-Star averaging 25.1 points per game in his career, suggested Perkins’ comments exposed his true colors. The post exploded online, racking up 21,000 likes and thousands of reposts. Fans were divided, with some praising Morant’s independence and others backing Perkins’ blunt critique.
The tension isn’t new. In 2023, Perkins suggested Morant leave Memphis for a “change of scenery” to escape distractions. Morant, however, doubled down on his commitment, signing a five-year, $231 million extension and pledging to mature.
Perkins’ Counterpunch
Perkins responded on Instagram, doubling down on his role in Morant’s rise and framing the guard’s actions as a betrayal. The back-and-forth highlights the fraught dynamic between players and media, where praise can quickly turn to criticism.
Stakes for Morant’s Comeback
With the Grizzlies at 2-2 without Morant, this feud underscores the pressure on his redemption arc. Once compared to stars like Anthony Edwards, Morant now faces scrutiny to prove his focus on the court. His return, expected soon, offers a chance to shift the narrative with his play. Meanwhile, Perkins’ remarks reflect the challenge of balancing mentorship with accountability in the NBA spotlight.
X lit up with reactions, from fans mocking Perkins’ “saltiness” to those hailing Morant’s defiance. Regardless, the clash reaffirms Morant’s ability to command attention — for better or worse.
