Kendrick Perkins apologises to Shaq and Olajuwon while blasting Nikola Jokic

TL;DR

Kendrick Perkins has apologized to Shaquille O'Neal and Hakeem Olajuwon while criticizing Nikola Jokic following the Denver Nuggets' first-round playoff exit. The Nuggets lost 110-98 to the Minnesota Timberwolves despite the latter missing key players.

Key points

Kendrick Perkins criticized Nikola Jokic after playoff exit
Denver Nuggets lost to Minnesota Timberwolves 110-98
Nuggets' exit came despite Timberwolves missing key players
Perkins apologized to Shaquille O'Neal and Hakeem Olajuwon

Denver NuggetsMinnesota TimberwolvesNikola JokicShaquille O'Neal

Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post

The Denver Nuggets endured a disappointing first-round playoff exit after failing to recover against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The knockout came after a 110-98 defeat on Thursday, despite Minnesota missing key players such as Anthony Edwards and Donte DiVincenzo since Game 4.

That context has intensified scrutiny around Denver’s leading figures. Nikola Jokic, widely regarded as one of the league’s most dominant players, has become the central focus of criticism.

His individual numbers remained strong across the series, but the overall outcome has shaped the narrative. Questions are now being raised about how his performances translate into postseason success.

Kendrick Perkins criticises Nikola Jokic and apologises to NBA greats after Nuggets exit

Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images

Kendrick Perkins delivered a strong assessment of Jokic while speaking on ESPN’s First Take. The former NBA champion focused on accountability at the highest level of the sport.

He said: “We got to hold him Jokic to a level of accountability like we would do with every ‘all-time great’. Over the past three years: second-round exit, second-round exit, first-round exit.

“And you’re telling me, without Anthony Edwards, without Donte, two starters and your best player, you couldn’t pull out and go win this series?”

Perkins then shifted his focus to the broader historical context. He issued apologies to several legendary centres he once put below Jokic.

“I want to sit up here and apologize. Shaquille O’Neal, Shaq, I want to apologize to you and tell you I’m sorry. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, I want to sit up here and tell you I apologize. I’m sorry,” he added.

Q&A

Why did Kendrick Perkins apologize to Shaquille O'Neal and Hakeem Olajuwon?

Kendrick Perkins apologized to Shaquille O'Neal and Hakeem Olajuwon while addressing criticisms surrounding Nikola Jokic after the Nuggets' playoff performance.

What led to the Denver Nuggets' playoff exit?

The Denver Nuggets were eliminated in the first round after losing 110-98 to the Minnesota Timberwolves, despite the Timberwolves missing key players.

Who were the key players missing for the Minnesota Timberwolves during the game?

The Minnesota Timberwolves were missing key players Anthony Edwards and Donte DiVincenzo during their playoff game against the Nuggets.

What are the implications of Nikola Jokic's performance in the playoffs?

Nikola Jokic's performance has come under intense scrutiny following the Nuggets' disappointing playoff exit, raising questions about his impact in critical games.