When will Perkins shift back into the Starting Lineup?

[thirstyboots18]

I don't know who first said it, but there's an old saying;

It doesn't matter who starts the game, it's who finishes it.

I don't know if it originated with him (I kind of think it may have), but Red said it and used it in one of his books (it might have been "On and Off the Court" or "Let Me Tell You a Story"...of course, I cant's find the quote  now  n:-\ .

I just googled it and credit is also given to John Wooden, as well as others...

[ScoobyDoo]

No, I don't think that Perk and baby are championship caliber starters as a unit. Perkins as a center, with the right Power Forward next to him? Yes. But not Baby. I didn't say that.

All I said was if Baby sticks around, it's likely they will see time on the floor together, most likely and hopefully Baby coming off the bench and playing minutes alongside Perkins.

Therefore...I do like the fact that Baby and Perkins are getting more minutes together now.

Overall, I like the toughness, youth and energy the two of them bring off the bench together right now.     

[billysan]

I think we'll be fine with either Perk or Shaq starting but I prefer Shaq as a starter for this season.

1. Shaq is ultimately probably happier as a starter. Not that that really matters if you're the coach, but it's good for the team overall if this is the case.

2. Perkins just came off a very serious injury. He is playing very well. But Perkins will be here with the Celts long term. Start Shaq, get as many minutes out of him as we can, let Perkins come along slowly and without "starter pressure".

3. I like Shaq's flow with the first team, I think as someone said, he helps get some early fouls on the other team and benefits greatly from open looks off KG, PP and Ray, as well as Rondo's wizardry.

4. I REALLY like the energy, youth and toughness a "Perkins - Baby" combo brings off the bench to hammer other teams second units. What's better is if Baby does stay around after this year, we are putting Perk and baby together for good minutes now to ehlp them build on court chemistry together.

5. I agree with what someone else said as well - Shaq is probably banged up right now. Play Perkins and Semih for 3-4 games, let him rest. Maybe nbring him back for the Lakers game. Here's the kicker though, I'd start Semih and still bring Perkins off the bench.

I just like Perkins coming off the bench for this year. I think it's pretty intimidating for the other team.

Perkins
Baby
Daniels
Dwest
Nate

Very nice...
   

   

Do you actually believe Perk and Baby are a championship-caliber starting front-court in the future?

I was thinking the same thing. Love both guys but not enough length and not enough quickness to say they are championship caliber anything except role players.

[ScoobyDoo]

I agree 100% re Big baby, but I disagree re Perkins.

I think Perkins is absolutely a championship caliber center and not just because he's already proven to be. Perkins brings one of the most critical aspects of a championship team - interior defense and toughness. I think the key thing if you're having Perkins start at center, you just need to pari him with a long, athletic PF who can score.

With Big baby, I see him as a very solid 6th, 7th or 8th man on your team  - depending on your depth level - who can start on occasion when needed. If he were 6'10 and a bit longer, he would definately be a starter. But he just doesn't have the length. There is a very remote, outside chance he drops another 15-20 Pounds, gets a little quicker and a little more lift around the rim and could possibly be a starter on a championship team but it's a real long shot and highly unlikely. His lack of length is the biggest problem.

But he's such an odd player...if he got more cut and into Karl Malone type condition, I wouldn't put it past Baby to be able to put up 20 and 10 on most nights. He's a little bull, with inside out game...I don't know yet if he's maxed out his body. He's made improvement on his physique every year - but it seems he still has more work to do.

Bottom line, for the right money, I'd like to keep Baby around, coming off the bench. But I enjoy watching he and Perkins together on the floor, it's pretty pysical. I like that combo. And I'd be taking along hard look at how much value that combo can provide, even with baby coming off the bench, as part of my evaluation process for what I'll be willing to pay him - or not - come this summer. 

[ScoobyDoo]

Addendum re Perkins: As much as I love Perkins and what he brings, if we could get Howard to pair with Rondo in the summer of 2012....I do it in a heart beat.

However, I would still want to retain Perkins and for decent money if necessary, maybe in the $8-10 mil range.

Why, Howard with Rondo and even an againg Pierce would probably be enough to get you to the finals.

Howard, Perkins, Semih, Baby? That's a sick big man rotation. We would dominate the post against every team in the league. Howard and Perkins would be nasty.

Howard / Perkins =  best center rotation in the elague for ten+ years.
 

[Ersatz]

Usually fans overvalue the players on their team. In Perk's case, Cs fans seems to undervalue him. He's not a backup center and he's not going to stay with the Cs for what they pay him now. He's one of the top 3 or 4 defensive centers in the league. His value is very high.

[barefacedmonk]

Tonight...for this game atleast.

#csnne.com has confirmed with #celtics doc rivers that shaq is out tonight. Also confirmed with Perkins that he will start.

Via Sherrod's twitter