Kendrick Perkins Clashes With Bill Simmons Over NBA Draft, Raptors Analysis

A heated dispute has erupted between ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins and The Ringer’s Bill Simmons over Simmons' harsh criticism of ESPN's 2025 NBA Draft coverage and Perkins' optimistic prediction about the Toronto Raptors' playoff chances. Simmons mocked both ESPN and ABC's draft broadcasts, expressing frustration and specifically targeting Perkins for his belief that the Raptors could finish as a top-six team in the Eastern Conference. In response, Perkins posted a video on social media sharply questioning Simmons’ credibility and basketball experience, promising a more extensive rebuttal on his podcast Road Trippin’. Perkins defended his Raptors prediction by citing injuries to key Eastern Conference players and the team’s strong perimeter talent. The exchange continued on social media, with Simmons sarcastically challenging Perkins to a wager on the Raptors' standing and Perkins accusing Simmons of relying on a supportive podcast audience rather than facts. The feud has drawn attention from colleagues like Richard Jefferson, who defended Perkins amid social media backlash, highlighting the personal and professional tensions in this ongoing media spat.