Report claims a rift in Kendrick Perkins and Russell Westbrook relationship: NBA Update
The young talent of the Oklahoma City Thunder stood confident against all the odds in last season's regular season and play-offs and raced away into the Conference Finals unpredictably. The categorical strength on the roster of the Thunder only lacked experience which became apparent in opposition with the veteran power Dallas Mavericks when their championship hopes faded away.
While Oklahoma City Thunder are preparing themselves in the off-season to gain control over the hard-nosed opponents of the Western conference in the next season, the team also needs to elucidate the dilemma involving the relationship of Kendrick Perkins and Russell Westbrook.
Since the 26-year-old centre Perkins joined the squad of Thunder in February this year after playing seven seasons in Boston Celtics uniform, the reports have talked a lot about the relationship of Kendrick and Russell. According to a recent New York Daily News report, both the superstars don’t have the greatest relationship, in fact there is a tension going on between the point guard Russell Westbrook and Kendrick Perkins.
According to the report, Kendrick criticized Russell by comparing him with his former teammate Rajon Rondo of Boston Celtics which offended Westbrook. Russell was already facing criticism for his irregular shooting as Perkins words didn’t sit well with the young superstar.
New York Daily News report stated in this regards. “After arriving from the Celtics last season and being looked at as the veteran leader Oklahoma City needed to take the next step to compete for a title, Perkins went hard at Westbrook with his verbal criticisms, often saying that the Thunder's playmaker couldn't match Rajon Rondo as a playmaker. Those words didn't sit well with Westbrook.”
Despite of the fact that Kendrick Perkins praised Russell Westbrook for his composure and faced the reporters when Russell was scrutinized for his poor shot selection and decision making throughout the play-offs, New York Daily News claims that there is a rift going on between the duo.
There have been some occasional disagreements between Perkins and Westbrook on the court. One of the most prominent incident occurred in a game against Charlotte Bobcats in March when Kendrick seemingly chew out Russell after a poor possession on the defence.
Oklahoma City Thunders scoring Champion Kevin Durant did admit that there has been an argument. However Durant also categorized the disagreement as normal and stated that everybody enjoys each others’ company and it’s not something serious.
“We're going to always have arguments, but it's nothing to the point of where guys are going to walk out of that locker room and say, ‘Nah, I don't like him.” Durant said.
Whatever the case may be, Perkins, Westbrook and the team management will be asked about the report and have to clarify that whether there is a rift going on or not.
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