Perkins says Giannis has Heat looking like LeBron era again

Put up 20 points, 15 rebounds and 9 assists

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated 1h1 min read

"I thought LeBron had returned back to Miami." @KendrickPerkins is impressed with what he's seen from Giannis Antetokou Via @ESPNNBA on X

What happened: Kendrick Perkins said Giannis Antetokounmpo with the Miami Heat recalled the LeBron James era in Miami. The assessment followed a 144-128 final for Miami in preseason play.

Why it matters: Miami is building its upcoming-season identity around Antetokounmpo as the centerpiece. His early all-around production has shaped expectations for how the Heat open the season.

By the numbers: Giannis Antetokounmpo: 20 PTS, 15 REB, 9 AST. Final: Miami Heat 144-128.

What to watch: The next step is sustained all-around output as the regular season approaches.

Sources

@ESPNNBA 2026-10-15T19:45:20.937116+00:00

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