Modernity of the NBA has evolved basketball games.
Decades ago, the most dominant basketball players were often the tallest players. But as the years go by, fans are seeing more and more small guards succeed in the league.
For example, Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry is 6’2”, but he is one of the league’s faces.
But does that mean that small guards are easier to control? Certainly not.
Houston Rockets star Kevin Durant appeared on LeBron James’ podcast Mind the Game, where he discussed a lot.
It included KD claiming that players no longer start caliber stars in the NBA unless the player is of a certain archetype. Hearing this, Kendrick Perkins called out the Slim Reaper.
Fast forward to today, Perkins further strengthened his point, saying, “When it comes to 6’2, 6’3, and whether they’re no longer present under the guards, I think they’re more there than ever.”
He added: “Jalen Brunson, Fred Vanvleet, Steph Curry, and Damian Lillard.
The examples listed by Perkins show that even smaller guards can succeed, especially on the offensive edge of the floor.
Adding to his point, Big Parka believes Durant is taking a shot on 6’2” LeBron’s son Bronnie James.
“What I took from that too, you’re sitting in the game and KD says this, but Bronnie is 6’2. Perkins went on.
Bronney struggled to play well in the Los Angeles Lakers and rookie years, but James Jr. has already shown impressive signs of improvement in the 2025 NBA Summer League.
With that in mind, Perkins finds his niche in the league in favor of Bronnie.
“Bronnie is going to find his niche. It’s not going to be an All-Star level. But I think he’s going to find his niche. It’ll be Davion’s Mitchell,” concluded Perkins.