Kendrick Perkins Says Nuggets Are Not Legit Title Contenders
The NBA playoff picture is slowly taking shape as we inch closer to the postseason, with several teams making their case as legitimate title contenders.
While teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder, Boston Celtics, and Cleveland Cavaliers impress with their consistent play, and the Lakers find their rhythm behind the LeBron-Luka partnership, one reigning power seems oddly absent from championship conversations.
The Denver Nuggets, despite their proven track record, aren’t generating the same title buzz as other contenders.
ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins recently addressed this peculiar situation during NBA Today, offering a blunt assessment of Denver’s championship credentials.
“I don’t think the Denver Nuggets are a legit title contender. I don’t think teams are afraid of them,” Perkins declared.
Are we sure the Nuggets are legit Title Contenders?! I don’t and here’s why!!! pic.twitter.com/xizzb6qtUi
— Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) March 2, 2025
His skepticism stems from Denver’s concerning 14-15 record against winning teams this season.
Perkins highlighted how opposing defenses have adapted to the Nuggets’ approach, employing aggressive double-teams on Nikola Jokić and disrupting passing lanes to force Denver into perimeter shooting.
The Nuggets’ journey this season has been a tale of two chapters.
After stumbling to an 11-10 start through their first 21 games, they’ve found their footing to climb to 39-22 overall, good for second place in the competitive Western Conference.
Jokić, as expected, has been the catalyst behind this turnaround with his MVP-caliber play.
However, their recent matchup against the Lakers exposed potential vulnerabilities in Denver’s system.
Los Angeles appeared to unlock a blueprint for containing Jokić and disrupting Denver’s offensive flow – precisely the concern Perkins aims to highlight for fans and analysts alike.
NEXT: Nikola Jokic Admits He Never Eats At 1 Fast Food Restaurant
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