Kendrick Perkins Appreciation Thread

[paulcowens]

Since this is a Perk appreciation thread, I'll express my appreciation.  And please don't attack me for my opinion or thoughts.  It has nothing to do with the trade, good or bad.  It's how I feel about Perk.  

I have been one of Perk's biggest fans since day 1.  Anyone who has read anything I have written over the last 8 years knows that Perk has been my favorite player.  In over 40 years of cheering for the Celtics, I never attached to a player like I have to Perk.  I can't explain it.  Maybe it was because he was so young and raw and I watched him grow up as a Celtic.  But I loved Perk as a player and I loved his work ethic and I loved his attitude.  

Truth is, I still love Perk.  He was my favorite Celtic for 8 years and he is still my favorite player in the league.  I've become a Celtics/Thunder fan since his trade.  I'll always love the Celtics, but when Perk was traded I started following him on the Thunder and really have come to appreciate that team.  Danny did Perk a favor trading him to OKC.  The organization is first class, the players are young and have great character, and they are on their way up, especially now that Perk has added some toughness and leadership to them.  Their fans are awesome and really appreciate having a team in OKC.  

Those who point to Perk's stats in the box score just don't see all that he does for a team.  The things he does to help his team don't always show up in the box score.  The defense at the rim that makes opponents change their shots, the boxing out that allows teammates to get rebounds, the screens that help teammates get open.  The leadership and support for teammates. His toughness and swagger in games.   The fact that he always has his teammates backs.  

I appreciate all that Perk did as a Celtic to help this team win Banner 17.  I appreciate all that he has done as a Celtic over the last 8 years, improving every season.  Playing hard each and every game - never taking a game off.  No, he's not the most athletic center in the league.  He's not a great offensive threat.  But you won't find a player with a bigger heart or harder work ethic in the league. 

I now appreciate what Perk is doing for the Thunder.  He has brought them leadership, swagger, and toughness.  He has helped them to lower their points allowed by 10 ppg.  And he is helping them go farther in the playoffs than they ever expected to this season.   

I love Perk.  I miss him as a Celtic.  And I'll always root for him.

Perkins is not a brilliantly talented basketball player.  We all know that.    His career is a tribute to hard work and heart.  Watching him moving around as if hobbled, or trying to catch the basketball with hands of stone ... it's painful at times.  And maybe that's all some folks see.  Perhaps, what they don't see, is the toughness that backed up the Celtics' swagger,  when Perkins was a Celtic, and the heart that helped make our 'ubuntu' seem so real, to us and to other teams, and  other intangibles.  

With OKC Perkins is trying to be more of a veteran leader, and that role seems to suit him.  But if you watch the Thunder's defense, what you see is that Perkins not only patrols and controls the painted area like a grizzly bear, but he also constantly covers for his teammates,  cutting off lanes of attack to the hoop, etc..   He anchors a defense, and few centers dedicate themselves to this so firmly.  When a guard is trying to keep up with his man, Perk is back there, quite purposefully reminding the offensive player that he's fully aware of the angles.  For people to say that having a center who is constantly thinking TEAM DEFENSE has no effect on guards and small forwards is just sheer folly.   A guy like Perkins actively helps his guards and forwards stay on their men.    He doesn't get blocks like Dwight Howard, but he lets every player  even thinking about attacking the basket know that he is waiting, and that helps the perimeter defenders stay tight on their guys (or in the case of a guy like Rondo, gamble and roam).

[FLCeltsFan]

Slightly off-topic, but I was thinking about how much Perk signed for with OKC.

He signed for what? 4 years for 8-9 mil? And he will be 27 in Nov. By the time this contract with OKC is over, he'll be 31.

Yes - on paper - he may not warrant the skills to have that contract from OKC. But if this is probably Perk's last shot at getting anywhere near a Max contract, then he's well worth it, IMO.

I think the Kendrick Perkins we are seeing with OKC may in fact be the one that is on a slight decline right now - even at age 26. He's been in the league for almost 8 years, now - with no college.

Enjoy that contract, Big Fella - you earned it. I think Danny did him a favor by sending him to OKC - IMO, it may not have been prudent going forward for Boston to sign him to that amount of money, but for someone like Perk I'm thankful that it is working out for him.

IMO, his best years were in Green, and I thank him once again for that.

Its possible, but I disagree. I'm thinking that Perk's decline in production this year is a result of being less than a year removed from some really major knee surgeries. Back in the 2010 season his offensive game was noticeably improving, and he was always a top-notch defender. I think in a year or two we'll see Perk back at his pre-injury levels

Remember KG for most of last year after his surgery which was not hear as serious as Perk's.  He's still not 100%.  Watching him, I'd say 60-70%. It takes about a year to recover from a surgery like that.  It's been 11 months for Perk.  He'll be better next season. 

[GreenFaith1819]

Slightly off-topic, but I was thinking about how much Perk signed for with OKC.

He signed for what? 4 years for 8-9 mil? And he will be 27 in Nov. By the time this contract with OKC is over, he'll be 31.

Yes - on paper - he may not warrant the skills to have that contract from OKC. But if this is probably Perk's last shot at getting anywhere near a Max contract, then he's well worth it, IMO.

I think the Kendrick Perkins we are seeing with OKC may in fact be the one that is on a slight decline right now - even at age 26. He's been in the league for almost 8 years, now - with no college.

Enjoy that contract, Big Fella - you earned it. I think Danny did him a favor by sending him to OKC - IMO, it may not have been prudent going forward for Boston to sign him to that amount of money, but for someone like Perk I'm thankful that it is working out for him.

IMO, his best years were in Green, and I thank him once again for that.

Its possible, but I disagree. I'm thinking that Perk's decline in production this year is a result of being less than a year removed from some really major knee surgeries. Back in the 2010 season his offensive game was noticeably improving, and he was always a top-notch defender. I think in a year or two we'll see Perk back at his pre-injury levels

mc34 - Man, I sure hope so...I was thinking about how long he's been in the league, and his injuries, and how both of those factors can have an effect on a player.

I have nothing but love for Perk. Even with his limitations he is a once in a lifetime kind of player.

[GreenFaith1819]

I guess Perk really started to grow on me way back in 08-09 playoffs. I always loved what he brought to us - even with his limitations, but it was during those playoffs back then where he gained an even deeper level of respect from me.

KG had went down a few months earlier - with that knee injury in Utah. We were all on pins and needles with his recovery (and rumored comeback).

Well, as we all know he never came back that year. To make matters worse we lost Leon Powe in I think that 3rd game vs CHI.

This turn of events left Kendrick Perkins as really our ONLY lowpost offensive option, and to my memory he responded valiantly.

Kendrick Perkins averaged around 12 pts, 12 rebs and 3 blocks in that CHI series and then went on to play well vs Dwight and ORL. We lost in 7 games to ORL, of course, but he certainly frustrated Dwight back then.

Ray and Paul gave their best once KG (and then Powe) went down, but I'll NEVER forget how Perk (and Rondo) elevated their games in their absence - two of the youngest Celtics.

It is with that playoff season in 08-09 where I have my foundest memories of Perk.

Whether or not he has earned that payday from OKC - on paper - will always be up for debate.

But boy did he earn it in Green. 

[thirstyboots18]

Perk has really elevated that team down in Oklahoma.  Presti is the best GM in the league

First off I loved Perk when he was a C; but that doesn't mean I thought he was a good player; and he's just average at best.  But how do you possibly credit Perk for elevating OKC???  OKC gave the LAL (you know the eventual championship team) a good run last year all without Perk.  They have a top 3 player in the league and another young stud.  They were pretty much a top 4 seed in the WC all year, pre and post Perk.  Yet somehow Perk is the man behind the rise of OKC?

If you read the title to this thread, you will see that it is an "appreciation" thread.  As far as Perk's contribution to OKC...his coaches there have stated that Perk's example of talking and directing, on the court has helped immensely, effectively making him a coach on the floor...which he learn from Kevin Garnett.  Other players(including Durant) are becoming more vocal leaders on the floor because of it. It was an aspect the coaches couldn't coach...and they are grateful to Perk for it.  Also, Perk has instigated player meetings to discuss what they are doing wrong, and right, as a team.  Not all contributions are made on the court, but some are just as important.

[barefacedmonk]

Who knew it was hard to understand the meaning of "appreciation" or trying to find the many threads that already exist which are specifically meant for discussing the trade and the players involved.

I thought this was an "appreciation thread"....there are many threads where you can discuss the trade and criticise the players involved....kind of like the "optimism" thread we have on the blog....you don't see people making "the sky is falling" type of posts in there.

[OsirusCeltics]

You're not a contributor (or that good of a player) if you don't appear on a stat-sheet. Plain and simple

All the people that support Perk is because of emotion. He represents something for them. I respect that, but he's average at best

There are so many threads about Dwight Howard and how much they want him on the Celtics. Everyone praises him for his gaudy stats of 22 and 13, and say he's a difference maker
But on the other hand fans say Perk's stats don't matter. But somehow he's uplifting the already potent OKC Thunder

Can't have it both ways

[barefacedmonk]

You're not a contributor if you don't appear on a stat-sheet. Plain and simple

All the people that support Perk is because of emotion. He represents something for them. I respect that, but he's average at best

There are so many threads about Dwight Howard and how much they want him on the Celtics. Everyone praises him for his gaudy stats of 22 and 13, and say he's a difference maker
But on the other hand fans say Perk's stats don't matter. But somehow he's uplifting the already potent OKC Thunder

Can't have it both ways

Invest in a dictionary...and then look under alphabet 'A'. Perhaps you'll realize that you're in the wrong thread.

[GreenFaith1819]

Once Shaq and JO move on...and considering what Perk did for us in the middle, the next Center that Boston signs will have HUGE shoes to fill...HUGE.

No offense to Nenad - because he brings a different dimension as a Center.

But even IF it's Dwight...he'd better come here ready to work - even harder than he's done in ORL.

It won't come easy, manning that middle in Boston, no matter how considerable his skills are.

Must have heart, too - and that next center that comes to Boston will have to look at Shaq, JO and Perk for that, as well as Bill and Chief.

That Center spot in Boston is a serious position.

[GreenFaith1819]

You're not a contributor (or that good of a player) if you don't appear on a stat-sheet. Plain and simple

All the people that support Perk is because of emotion. He represents something for them. I respect that, but he's average at best

There are so many threads about Dwight Howard and how much they want him on the Celtics. Everyone praises him for his gaudy stats of 22 and 13, and say he's a difference maker
But on the other hand fans say Perk's stats don't matter. But somehow he's uplifting the already potent OKC Thunder

Can't have it both ways

Osirus - love your posts here on the blog - and I agree with you most of the time.

But I whole-heartedly agree with my comparison of Perk to what JO, Shaq, Bill and Chief did for us here in Boston.

Somethings, such as heart - as just not quantifiable.

I do know that most NBA players have heart and desire...if they didn't, they wouldn't be in the NBA.

But when you do it..that Center spot - in Boston - that is a different level of commitment.

Kendrick Perkins..as KG called himself after winning in 07-08 - is Certified.

[OsirusCeltics]

You're not a contributor (or that good of a player) if you don't appear on a stat-sheet. Plain and simple

All the people that support Perk is because of emotion. He represents something for them. I respect that, but he's average at best

There are so many threads about Dwight Howard and how much they want him on the Celtics. Everyone praises him for his gaudy stats of 22 and 13, and say he's a difference maker
But on the other hand fans say Perk's stats don't matter. But somehow he's uplifting the already potent OKC Thunder

Can't have it both ways

Osirus - love your posts here on the blog - and I agree with you most of the time.

But I whole-heartedly agree with my comparison of Perk to what JO, Shaq, Bill and Chief did for us here in Boston.

Somethings, such as heart - as just not quantifiable.

I do know that most NBA players have heart and desire...if they didn't, they wouldn't be in the NBA.

But when you do it..that Center spot - in Boston - that is a different level of commitment.

Kendrick Perkins..as KG called himself after winning in 07-08 - is Certified.

Yeah, agree with you
Perk has alot of heart and toughness. Doesn't back down takes his job seriously, and a hard worker. I understand what he represented for Boston. A hard working town

Its just that I think the love is a little too much. Personally I'm astonished that he's getting more love than Paul Pierce, which is criminal. Yes Perk was on the '08 title team, but the Big 3 are the reason he won that title. I love the Big 3 too much to not give them their due respect

[GreenFaith1819]

You're not a contributor (or that good of a player) if you don't appear on a stat-sheet. Plain and simple

All the people that support Perk is because of emotion. He represents something for them. I respect that, but he's average at best

There are so many threads about Dwight Howard and how much they want him on the Celtics. Everyone praises him for his gaudy stats of 22 and 13, and say he's a difference maker
But on the other hand fans say Perk's stats don't matter. But somehow he's uplifting the already potent OKC Thunder

Can't have it both ways

Osirus - love your posts here on the blog - and I agree with you most of the time.

But I whole-heartedly agree with my comparison of Perk to what JO, Shaq, Bill and Chief did for us here in Boston.

Somethings, such as heart - as just not quantifiable.

I do know that most NBA players have heart and desire...if they didn't, they wouldn't be in the NBA.

But when you do it..that Center spot - in Boston - that is a different level of commitment.

Kendrick Perkins..as KG called himself after winning in 07-08 - is Certified.

Yeah, agree with you
Perk has alot of heart and toughness. Doesn't back down takes his job seriously, and a hard worker. I understand what he represented for Boston. A hard working town

Its just that I think the love is a little too much. Personally I'm astonished that he's getting more love than Paul Pierce, which is criminal. Yes Perk was on the '08 title team, but the Big 3 are the reason he won that title. I love the Big 3 too much to not give them their due respect

Osirus - I don't think the love is too much. It is something about being a Celtic that warrants it.

That - to me - is what sets Perk apart. The Celtics are truly a fabled franchise, and Perk did his thing here. That is why he's getting the love.

It's Boston.

I, as well as others on here - even mentioned how KG did in fact mentor Perk...KG (and Clifford Ray) is in fact a big reason why Perk is successful.

But it takes a willing heart. Perk had been here before KG was, but when KG got here Perk just soaked him up...started getting meaner..getting a swag to him.

That is why Perk took on number 5 in OKC.

Yes - Perk (and Rondo) have benefitted from the Big Three.

But Boston is not a "plug-and-play" team. Not everyone can come here and do it, especially in the middle.

Perk (and JO, Shaq, Bill and Chief) have done it, and even Rasheed to a point.

And along the way, everyone benefits. Ubuntu. Ubuntu doesn't always equal stats.

[Roy H.]

This is an "appreciation" thread.  Please be warned, anybody who comes in here to criticize Perk or his fans will be deemed to be trolling / baiting.

As mentioned above, there are literally dozens of threads on this blog dealing with Kendrick Perkins.  If people can't contribute something on-topic to this discussion, they should move to a different thread.

[thirstyboots18]

Osirius, didn't anyone ever tell you that the more love you give, the more you have to give?  Fans loving what Perk gave to the Celtics in no way minimizes fans love for what Paul, KG, Ray, Rondo, or any other Celtic gave.  It just increases our appreciation for the whole team.

[OsirusCeltics]

Osirius, didn't anyone ever tell you that the more love you give, the more you have to give?  Fans loving what Perk gave to the Celtics in no way minimizes fans love for what Paul, KG, Ray, Rondo, or any other Celtic gave.  It just increases our appreciation for the whole team.

TP
You're right