Kendrick Perkins Challenges Luka Doncic’s Place Among NBA Elite

Luka Doncic has made five consecutive All-NBA First Team appearances from 2020 to 2024. The only time he didn’t make the cut was last year, as he hadn’t played enough games to meet the eligibility criteria.

Having said that, let’s take a look at the stats of Perkins’ picks and see if that justifies the player-turned-analyst’s take.

Do Perkins' Picks Outshine Luka Doncic?

Before we get to answering the question at hand, one has to give Perkins the benefit of the doubt that his denying Luka Doncic a spot has to do with limited seat availability and exceptionally deep competition.

That being said, let’s get into the numbers as per Kendrick Perkins’ order.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been averaging 31.7 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 6.6 assists, while Nikola Jokic has been scoring 28.2 points, 12.6 rebounds, and 10.6 assists on average.

Making up for Jayson Tatum’s absence, Jaylen Brown has been averaging 28.4 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 5.1 assists.

While Cade Cunningham has been scoring 24.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 9.9 assists on average in the East, Victor Webanyama has been averaging 24.2 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 2.9 assists in the West.

And though it might seem unfair, one has to acknowledge Perkins’ approach of picking players who have had an impact on the franchise’s success over those who have solid individual stats.

Nevertheless, all Luka Doncic has to do if he wants a spot on the First Team is ensure that the Lakers maintain the run that they’re on and seize the No. 3 seed before the season ends.