Kendrick Perkins' On-Air Joke Leaves ESPN Host Speechless During NBA Season Opener

During ESPN's coverage of the 2025-26 NBA season opener between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Houston Rockets, former NBA player and analyst Kendrick Perkins made a pun that left host Elle Duncan momentarily speechless. Duncan had initially joked, "You know, when you work at ESPN, talking to Kendrick is one of the Perk-s," prompting Perkins to respond with, "What you need Ibuprofen for when you can have a Perk?" This unexpected pun, referencing painkillers and Perkins' nickname, caused a brief awkward silence before the studio erupted in laughter. Duncan later quipped, "I literally can't stand you and I love you," lightening the mood and allowing the show to proceed. The moment quickly caught attention on social media, with fans divided between amusement and concern over Duncan's reaction. The segment was part of ESPN's pregame coverage highlighting the NBA season's opening doubleheader, including a thrilling double-overtime win by the Thunder over the Rockets.