In recent years, many programs have been bringing in former NBA players to help out in official roles following the introduction of NIL and the explosion of the transfer portal. ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins is the latest to be named for such an endeavor.

According to ESPN's Shams Charania, Perkins will be joining the college team, Jackson Tigers, having a dual role as the program's general manager while also serving as a liaison for the school’s broadcast and journalism program.

“I’m thankful for this opportunity to impact young lives and give back to my community,” Perkins said via ESPN.

While Perkins is currently an NBA analyst for ESPN, he joined the broadcast team after he retired from the league. Perkins is part of the iconic 2003 Draft class, in which he was the 27th overall pick.

He went on to spend 14 seasons in the NBA, including stints with the Boston Celtics, Oklahoma City Thunder, New Orleans Pelicans, and the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Perkins holds career averages of 5.4 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.0 assists, and 1.2 blocked shots while shooting 50 percent from the field.

While fans tend to criticize Perkins a lot of times for his unpopular takes on ESPN, he was considered one of the best post-defensive players in the NBA during his prime, and he played a key role on the Celtics’ 2008 title team.

The Jackson State program finished 12-21 last season and 10-8 in SWAC play. Following the departure of Mo Williams to Kentucky, the Tigers hired interim head coach Trey Johnson permanently.

As for Perkins, he joins a list of current or former NBA players who have taken roles at college programs in recent years.

NBA Players Have Had a Role in College Programs in Recent Times

Apart from Perkins, Golden State Warriors star Steph Curry also accepted an Assistant General Manager role for both the men's and women's basketball programs at his alma mater, Davidson College, last year.

Curry made history as the first active player in major U.S. professional sports to take an administrative role with an NCAA team.

Former San Antonio Spurs star Tracy McGrady also recently took a role with Wagner College as a strategic advisor for the men's basketball program, joining his son, Layman, who committed to the team.

Meanwhile, Shaquille O'Neal has served as the volunteer General Manager for the Sacramento State Hornets men's basketball team since last year. He mainly took the unpaid role to help his son, Shaqir O'Neal, and work alongside head coach Mike Bibby.

While Perkins is the latest to join such an honorary list, he will continue his work as an NBA analyst on ESPN.

So, which NBA player, active or retired, would you like to see play a role in a college program? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Joy Bassy

Edited by

Joy Bassy