Kendrick Perkins theorizes Kenny Atkinson isn’t allowed to bench James Harden

Even though the Cleveland Cavaliers successfully made it to the Eastern Conference Finals this season, they are currently navigating some rocky waters after a horrible Game 1 loss to the New York Knicks.

In the aftermath of the loss, many people have directed blame at Cavs head coach Kenny Atkinson and veteran guard James Harden for how they showed up in Game 1.

Some felt that Atkinson should’ve benched Harden at some point in the series opener — an idea that could come up again depending on how the rest of the series goes — but former Cavs big man Kendrick Perkins has a theory that Atkinson may not have the power to make a decision like that.

“Y’all didn’t see the reports on the news?” Perkins began. “There’s a suspect on the loose. They got a armed robber on the loose because you know what’s crazy to me? … Brian Windhorst reported a few days ago that the Cavs basically has given James Harden a verbal agreement. Put the money in the f—— bag. I’ve never seen a person get more verbal agreements before they have to go out there and actually produce and get the job done than James Harden.

“… When people start to ask Kenny Atkinson, ‘Hey, can you bench James?’ ‘Uhhh, I can’t.’ See, it go over a lot of people head because don’t act like we all don’t know that a lot of s— come from the top. A coach only got so much that he can really — yeah, a lot of s— come from the top.”

Windhorst reported a few days back that the Cavs plan to work out a new deal with Harden to retain him beyond this season.

“Though a formal agreement is not allowed to be completed before the offseason, there is an understanding that the Cavs plan to work out a new deal to retain Harden, sources said,” Windhorst wrote.

Perkins’ theory is speculative, but it certainly wouldn’t be the best look for an organization to bench an aging veteran in the postseason before turning around and giving him a new deal weeks later.

Harden has had some big performances in these playoffs for the Cavs, but he has also had some incredibly poor outings. Game 1 against New York certainly fell into the second category. He finished the game 5-of-16 from the field and 1-of-8 from beyond the arc to go along with six turnovers. Moreover, on the defensive end of the floor, the Knicks targeted him viciously, which helped them pull off a miraculous comeback late in the game.

Since the start of the second round, Harden has shot just 37.1 percent from the field and 27.1 percent from beyond the arc while averaging 4.6 turnovers per game. His defense will also become an even bigger topic of conversation if the Knicks continue to go after him as the Eastern Conference Finals continue.

The way Atkinson managed both Harden and his timeout collection has led to him catching a lot of heat since the Game 1 loss. The Cavs were in prime position to win the opener before they completely collapsed in the fourth quarter and overtime, which should force Atkinson to take a hard look at the way he managed the game down the stretch.

Whether Atkinson actually could’ve benched Harden in Game 1 may be up for debate if Perkins’ theory holds any water, but what’s certain is that the Cavs need to show up ready to play in Game 2 as they try to even the series.