Kendrick Perkins shocks the ESPN studio with ‘bold’ NBA champions prediction

Kendrick Perkins is already skipping the regular season hype and calling his NBA champion shot.

The New York Knicks actually pulling off the 2026 title was great, beating the Spurs in five games to finally end that 50-year drought was something else. With Brunson and the core coming back for the 2027 season, everyone is hunting them down now.

But the title race is going to be a fascinating one. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads a terrifying OKC squad, Wemby and the Spurs are looking for revenge, with Philly trying to prove they can finally break through.

Kendrick Perkins picks 76ers to win the NBA championship

Kendrick Perkins came out swinging with a bit of a hot take, arguing that Philadelphia has all the right pieces to knock the Knicks off their throne. Hearing him drop that prediction appeared to catch everyone off guard, proving he’s ready to stir the pot for the new season.

Talking on ESPN, Kendrick Perkins said: “Let me answer the question for you. Yes, the 76ers are the team to dethrone the Knicks.”

Presenter Malika Andrews responds: “Okay. Wow. Perk is ready to make a bold pre-season prediction.”

Look, with the way Philly loaded up around Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey by adding hitters like LeBron James and Jaylen Brown, they definitely have the star power to give New York a run for their money.

But knocking off the reigning champs is a whole different challenge. The Knicks are running it back with their entire core, and Jalen Brunson just knows how to win.

If Philly can actually stay healthy, they’ve got a real shot, but walking into Madison Square Garden and dethroning New York is going to take everything they’ve got.