The Cleveland Cavaliers are doing things no LeBron James-led team has done.
They’re going through their best season in franchise history, and not only are they winning games, but they’re also dominating their opposition.
Nevertheless, some people are still far from impressed with them.
They argue that the regular season isn’t as important as the playoffs, and the Cavs still must prove themselves on the biggest stage.
Notably, that includes former Cavalier Kendrick Perkins.
Talking on ESPN, the former NBA champion claimed that respect is earned and not given, adding that teams led by Donovan Mitchell have never made it to the Eastern Conference Finals or the NBA Finals.
"Respect is earned, not given."@KendrickPerkins discusses how the Cavs need to prove themselves in the remainder of the NBA season 💪 pic.twitter.com/nHQNK9tTQr
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) February 21, 2025
While Perkins acknowledged that they’ve played very well and that they have all the resources they need to get the job done, people won’t respect them as NBA championship contenders until they prove that they can be one.
He believes that’s also the case with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Ironically, Perkins played for both franchises, so one would think he would want to give small-market teams some respect.
Even so, regardless of how one may feel about Perkins’ hot takes, he’s got a valid point.
Mitchell has had some huge performances in the playoffs, especially earlier in his career, but he’s fallen short over the past couple of years.
Likewise, the Cavs have a history of underperforming in the postseason.
Hopefully, these kinds of comments will only fuel their fire and motivate them to be at their best when it matters the most.
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