Kendrick Perkins Blasts Magic's Paolo Banchero Amid Coaching Rumors

ESPN analyst calls out Banchero for 'making excuse after excuse' as Orlando faces elimination

Apr. 17, 2026 at 3:37am

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting the action and energy of a high-stakes basketball game, with sharp geometric shapes and planes of color representing the players, the court, and the intensity of the moment.Tensions between the Magic's young star and his coach boil over as the team fights for its playoff life.Philadelphia Today

Former NBA player Kendrick Perkins delivered a scathing rant against Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero, criticizing the young star for 'making excuse after excuse' and 'trying to get your coach fired' amid the team's struggles and impending Play-In Tournament elimination game against the Charlotte Hornets.

Why it matters

The tension between Banchero and Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley has been a storyline all season, with rumors swirling that Mosley could be fired. Perkins' comments add fuel to the fire and highlight the growing divide within the organization as they fight for a playoff spot.

The details

The Magic had a chance to clinch a playoff berth on Wednesday but lost to the Philadelphia 76ers, 109-97. Banchero struggled, shooting just 7-of-22 from the field for 18 points. In the aftermath, Perkins unloaded on Banchero, saying the young star has 'more excuses than a brother going to jail' and is 'trying to get your coach fired' instead of taking responsibility for his own play.

  • The Magic face the Charlotte Hornets in the Play-In Tournament on Friday, April 17, 2026.
  • Banchero's comments came after the Magic's loss to the 76ers on Wednesday, April 15, 2026.

The players

Kendrick Perkins

A former NBA center and current ESPN analyst who delivered a scathing rant against Paolo Banchero.

Paolo Banchero

The Orlando Magic's young star forward who has been at the center of tension with head coach Jamahl Mosley.

Jamahl Mosley

The head coach of the Orlando Magic, who is rumored to be on the hot seat amid the team's struggles and his reported feud with Banchero.

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What they’re saying

“I am so sick and tired of Paolo Banchero. Because all he's been doing is he's got more excuses than a brother going to jail. All he's been doing all season long is f****** making excuse after excuse after excuse. Throwing his coach under the bus.”

— Kendrick Perkins, ESPN Analyst

“You're up here trying to get your coach fired, you're blaming everybody except for yourself.”

— Kendrick Perkins, ESPN Analyst

What’s next

The winner of the Magic-Hornets Play-In game will face the Detroit Pistons in the first round of the NBA playoffs.

The takeaway

Banchero's struggles and the reported tension between him and coach Mosley have become a major distraction for the Magic as they fight for a playoff spot. Perkins' scathing comments highlight the growing divide within the organization and put more pressure on Banchero to step up and take accountability for the team's performance.