Paolo Banchero’s Dad Calls Out ESPN’s Kendrick Perkins With Savage Roast After Magic Earn Playoff Berth

While Paolo Banchero was busy helping the Orlando Magic get to the playoffs on Friday night, his father, Mario, had some social media clapbacks ready for his son’s critics.

Following a difficult Play-In run that saw the Magic clinch a playoff spot, Banchero Sr. took a shot at ESPN’s Kendrick Perkins for his earlier comments on the Orlando forward.

Paolo Banchero’s Father Hits Back at Kendrick Perkins’ Scathing Critique

During Orlando’s play-in matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers on April 15, Banchero struggled to make a mark in the 109-97 defeat. Recording 18 points, 4 assists, and committing 6 turnovers, he found himself in the crosshairs of criticism.

The loss to the 76ers sent Orlando into a win-or-go-home elimination game and prompted Perkins to publicly rip Banchero. The 2008 NBA champion, on the latest segment of the “Road Trippin Show,” launched an expletive-laden rant about Banchero’s performance.

“I’m telling you facts over feelings… I’m so sick and tired of Paolo Banchero, and the reason being is because all he’s been doing, he got more excuses than a brother going to jail,” Perkins said. “All he’s been doing all season long as making fu*king excuse after excuse. Throwing his coach under the bus and all of a sudden you look last night on the big stage his a** wasn’t ready to dance.”

But when the lights were brightest on Friday night, Banchero proved he was more than ready to dance. He completely dominated the Charlotte Hornets, recording 25 points, 6 assists, and 5 rebounds on 9-of-17 shooting from the floor to help the Magic secure a playoff spot.

SEE ALSO: ‘What a Statement Game’: NBA World Reacts As Paolo Banchero Lifts Magic Past Hornets Into NBA Playoffs

Mario Banchero, Paolo’s father, wasted no time firing back at Perkins. Via his X account, he posted a direct response to the NBA champion’s viral rant, writing, “The Internet is a cold place! Shout out to my guy KP……….. but , um, you got some sprinkles in your beard. Lol”

The Internet is a cold place!
Shout out to my guy KP……….. but , um, you got some sprinkles in your beard. Lol pic.twitter.com/Y18eCFlcxI

— Mario Banchero (@MarioBanchero) April 18, 2026

Putting in some work for Orlando’s offense, Banchero posted averages of 22.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 5.2 assists during the regular season. He has found himself in the spotlight this season after his public comments about the team‘s approach and Orlando’s struggles in general.

However, the expectation is that Banchero will light it up once the playoffs begin. The 2024 All-Star has averaged 28.0 points, 4.1 assists, and 8.5 rebounds in 12 playoff games across his career.

For now, Orlando will pack its bags to face off against the Detroit Pistons in the first round of the playoffs, where Banchero will look to keep the apology forms coming.