Breaking: Kendrick Perkins Slams Suns’ Star for Role in KD Injury, “You Owe it to Yourself and Your Team to…”

In the wake of Kevin Durant’s new brutal inactivity due to a left ankle sprain, all eyes are directed toward how the rest of the Phoenix Suns will elevate their game without their main man and leading scorer.

For this, Kendrick Perkins pushed star shooting guard Bradley Beal to deliver an urgent step up in powering the Suns during the recent segment of ESPN’s NBA Today.

“With KD in the lineup, they looked like a championship contender. And when KD was out of the lineup, they looked like a lottery team. I’m glad Shams Charania brought up Bradley Beal as he was the piece when they traded for him from Washington. That’s supposed to move the needle,” Perkins said.

“Now, he’s having a horrible year. He’s averaging about 17 points and shooting 49 percent from the field. This is the time for Bradley Beal to be great and justify why they made the move for him.”

Time to prove it for Beal

As what Perkins stated, Beal is truly witnessing a passive season offensively. The 31-year-old is averaging 17.5 points — his lowest in the past nine years.

With Durant set to be reevaluated for a week, Beal certainly needs to be more aggressive and raise his play to aid Phoenix in winning. Notably in Durant’s first season absence back in November due to a left calf strain, the Suns tallied an awful 1-6 card on the seven-game stretch that the two-time Finals MVP was sidelined.

“Remember how we was talking about them having a Big 3, but they can’t fill the spots,” Perkins further argued. “It’s time for Bradley Beal to stand on business.”

Next Man Up

Now sitting at the 6th place of the West with a 12-8 record, the KD-less Suns are about to face three huge road matchups within the week against the New Orleans Pelicans (Thursday), Miami Heat (Saturday), and the Orlando Magic (Sunday).

As it is, it’s not only Beal who has to take the pressure alone in the absence of Durant. Many expect Devin Booker to take over as well and lead Phoenix’s charge. Booker — who is averaging 25.0 points on 44.5 percent shooting — carried the Suns in their 104-93 Tuesday win over the San Antonio Spurs with 29 points after Durant left prematurely with an ankle sprain.