Perkins to start contact practice this week

[barefacedmonk]

From the frontpage.

Kendrick Perkins is known for having a seemingly never-ending scowl on his face.

But prior to Monday night's game against Houston, Perkins was all smiles.

The reason?

Practice.

Yes, we're talking about practice.

Perkins told CSNNE.com that he has been cleared to start full contact practice with the team this week.

"I feel good about it," Perkins said. "Real good."

Can't wait to see him back on the court..really good news.

http://www.csnne.com/01/10/11/Perkins-to-start-contact-practice-this-w/landing.html?blockID=388682&feedID=3945

[P2]

So basically he's a full member of our team (in practice) now? When will we see him in games again?

[mgent]

I really hope Perk doesn't suck.  I know he's a hard worker and he's anxious to get back from this injury but it would be a lie if I said I was fully confident that he'll be a net positive on the court anytime soon.

[ManUp]

You never really know what you've got until it's gone. That's the case with Perk for me right now. Shaq is doing a good job, but he can't defend anyone outside of the paint. JO plays like a scared rookie. Semih isn't ready and BBD is still too short and stubby. I miss Perk unspectactularly solid Play and Defense.

[Jon]

Let the "should Perk start?" debate begin.  

I personally side with keeping Shaq starting.  I think Shaq's largely been less effective playing alongside Baby and (for part of the time) without Rondo.  Put him out with there with the Big Three + Rondo, and he's throwing down alley-oops left and right.  

That doesn't mean that Perk shouldn't play more minutes than Shaq, but I don't want to see us lose our quick starts because Perk can't finish wide-open 1-foot shots.  

Plus, this isn't a case of Doc asking Perk to defer to Jermaine O'Neal or Semih Erden, this is Doc asking Perk to defer to one of the ten greatest players of all time.  Granted Shaq isn't what he once was, but it should be a pill that Perk can swallow.  

Other food for thought: will Jermaine O'Neal eventually become our "closer"?  He provides better defense than Shaq, better offense than Perk, and unlike both Shaq and Perk, can actually hit a free throw.  He's a career 71% shooter, which is somewhat misleading given that he shot poorly his first 5 years in the league.  Since then he's consistently shot in the mid 70s and actually shot 81% during his brief tenure in Toronto. 

Could be interesting.  Shaq at the beginning of the game and each half, Perk for large stretches in the middle mixed in with some Jermaine, finishing with Jermaine.  I also love the idea that they can foul at will, knowing that foul trouble for even two of them isn't the end of the world. 

[bdm860]

Let the "should Perk start?" debate begin.  

I personally side with keeping Shaq starting.  I think Shaq's largely been less effective playing alongside Baby and (for part of the time) without Rondo.  Put him out with there with the Big Three + Rondo, and he's throwing down alley-oops left and right.  

That doesn't mean that Perk shouldn't play more minutes than Shaq, but I don't want to see us lose our quick starts because Perk can't finish wide-open 1-foot shots.  

Plus, this isn't a case of Doc asking Perk to defer to Jermaine O'Neal or Semih Erden, this is Doc asking Perk to defer to one of the ten greatest players of all time.  Granted Shaq isn't what he once was, but it should be a pill that Perk can swallow.  

Other food for thought: will Jermaine O'Neal eventually become our "closer"?  He provides better defense than Shaq, better offense than Perk, and unlike both Shaq and Perk, can actually hit a free throw.  He's a career 71% shooter, which is somewhat misleading given that he shot poorly his first 5 years in the league.  Since then he's consistently shot in the mid 70s and actually shot 81% during his brief tenure in Toronto. 

Could be interesting.  Shaq at the beginning of the game and each half, Perk for large stretches in the middle mixed in with some Jermaine, finishing with Jermaine.  I also love the idea that they can foul at will, knowing that foul trouble for even two of them isn't the end of the world. 

Just think of it this way, you can start Perk to keep him happy, but then he'll pick up 2 quick fouls within the first 2 minutes anyway so then you get to put Shaq in with the starters.  Everybody's happy.  That is what you call a win-win 

[Roy H.]

Great news.  We need him back at this point.

Also, I'd be inclined to start Perk once he gets into the flow of things.  A healthy Perk is still our best playoff center.  Shaq could also potentially give our second unit an offensive focus, something they're desperately missing.

[ImShakHeIsShaq]

I am on the start Perk wagon... he's the better defender and it will help w/ HIS part of the chemistry (no way he would be okay coming off)! BUT, Shaq and baby together has never been a good idea to me... find me saying it every time they do, it just doesn't work!

[screwedupmaniac]

Excellent news. The team's defense is really starting to suffer without him and KG.

[Edgar]

I want to seehow phisical hes able to return be4 loving it that much

[vinnie]

This team needs rebounds, rebounds and more rebounds. If Perk can come back and play good D and rebound the ball -- for 20 minutes initially and then more by the end of the season, we will be in good shape. Once Perk is back and shows he can play, sit Shaq for a couple weeks.

[pearljammer10]

Cant wait for Perk to come back. Hopefully this means that Babys place in the big man rotation will be more limited... Id much rather see JO getting his minutes.