Kendrick Perkins Says For Anthony Edwards to Be Face of the League He Has to Be Family Man Like Magic Johnson

Kendrick Perkins, former NBA champion and current ESPN analyst, isn’t one to shy away from a hot take. But his recent assertion that Minnesota Timberwolves’ electrifying guard Anthony Edwards needs to “check the boxes” of being a “family man” – specifically, having a wife and kids – to truly become the face of the NBA has ignited a firestorm of debate. The statement, made on ESPN’s “First Take,” has many fans and commentators questioning whether such personal life choices should be a prerequisite for league superstardom in 2025.

Perkins argued, “You gotta check the boxes when you’re the face of the league… Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Shaq, LeBron, Steph… they all were family men. They all were married with kids.” He emphasized that being a “role model” and “things outside the lines matter.”

The immediate backlash was swift and sharp. Critics were quick to point out the selective and, in some cases, inaccurate memory underlying Perkins’ list of “family men.” While these legends were indeed married and had children during their careers, their personal lives were often far more complex and, at times, fraught with public controversy than Perkins’ idealized portrayal suggests.

Instances such as Magic Johnson’s HIV announcement stemming from infidelity, Kobe Bryant’s 2003 sexual assault case and subsequent marital issues, Shaquille O’Neal’s own admissions of infidelities, and Michael Jordan’s high-profile divorce were all highlighted as counters to the simplistic “family man” narrative. Even Larry Bird’s early marriage and family life had complexities not captured by a simple “married with kids” label during his ascent to stardom.

Furthermore, fans noted that Anthony Edwards, who is 23, does have a daughter with his girlfriend and famously left a game at halftime last season to be present for her birth – a move many lauded as a sign of family commitment.

The core of the debate, however, transcends the accuracy of Perkins’ historical examples. It drills down to a fundamental question: What truly defines the “face of the NBA” in the modern era?

Historically, the “face of the league” has been a player who combines:

Transcendent On-Court Talent: Dominance, consistent high-level performance, and the ability to captivate audiences with their skill.

Marketability and Charisma: A personality that resonates with fans, attracts endorsements, and draws media attention.
Leadership: The ability to elevate their team and inspire those around them.

Global Appeal: A recognition factor that extends beyond national borders, helping to grow the game worldwide.
While a positive public image is undoubtedly a component of marketability, dictating the specific structure of a player’s personal life as a prerequisite seems an outdated and arguably intrusive standard. In an era that professes to embrace diversity and individuality, should the league’s leading ambassador be confined to a traditionalist’s definition of a “family man”?

Many argue that authenticity, relatability, and on-court excellence are far more crucial. Edwards, with his explosive game, candid interviews, and burgeoning popularity, already possesses many of the qualities fans and the league seek in a superstar. His journey, whatever its personal contours, is what will ultimately resonate.

Perkins’ comments, while perhaps well-intentioned from a traditionalist standpoint, have inadvertently opened a valuable conversation. They’ve allowed for a re-examination of how we define our sporting heroes and what societal expectations we place upon them, particularly concerning their private lives.

Ultimately, Anthony Edwards’ trajectory to becoming the “face of the NBA” will likely be determined by his continued dominance on the court, his ability to connect with a global fanbase, and his impact on the sport’s culture – not by a marriage certificate or a specific family structure. The league, and its fans, may be ready for a “face” that reflects the diverse realities of modern life, rather than a romanticized image of the past.

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