Kendrick Perkins: Cavs’ James Harden facing unfair criticism

“Let’s stop with this James Harden stuff,” Perkins said. “Harden is past his prime. They did not bring him to Cleveland to be the second option. They brought him there to be more of a facilitator and be a floor general.”

That distinction matters as the Cavs open their second-round series against the Pistons.

Harden, acquired in a February trade with the Clippers, has taken on more of a playmaking role alongside Donovan Mitchell. Perkins made it clear he believes the scoring hierarchy should reflect that.

“Evan Mobley should be the second option,” Perkins said. “He is the second option.”

The comments come as Cleveland looks to find offensive balance in a quick turnaround after a seven-game series, with Game 1 tipping off Tuesday in Detroit (7 p.m. EST, Peacock).

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