Boston Celtics Kendrick Perkins Will Not Be The Forgotten Man In The Middle
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The ending of last year was heart wrenching for Kendrick Perkins. The team was up three games to two against the Lakers. They were well within striking distance in game six, when the unthinkable occurred. Perkins suffered a devastating tear in his ACL and MCL. The knee injury shelved the Celtics’ best rebounder and inside defensive presence. The Lakers feasted in the middle and won the next two games to steal the title out of Boston’s hands. The worst part was Perkins could only watch from the sidelines as he was unable to handle the middle of the paint for the Celtics.
To offset this injury, Danny Ainge did a great job in signing Shaquille O’Neal and Jermaine O’Neal. Jermaine is a nice shot blocker and scorer. He has great range and if he runs the floor will be rewarded by Rondo. Shaq will provide tough rebounding and his big body will be able to bang in the paint on both ends like Perkins. He will also provide a nice low post scoring option. The bottom line is these players will provide some of skills Perkins brought to the table and add some new wrinkles to Boston’s attack.
However, make no mistake about it: Kendrick Perkins will be greatly missed. The Celtics have made a lot of noise in the postseason the last three years on the strength of their defense. Kendrick Perkins outside of KG was the largest part of this defense. Guys like Rondo, Allen, and Pierce could play tight on their man knowing Perkins was ready to help. As good as Jermaine is at blocking shots, he is not Kendrick Perkins. Perkins is an absolute Beast in the middle. Many players think twice about driving the lane knowing Perkins is lying in wait. As solid as Shaq is banging bodies in the middle, Perkins may be the best. The job that he does on Dwight Howard is tremendous. Howard himself has called Perkins his toughest matchup. Perkins plays hard and tough. He gives Howard nothing. If he can swallow up superman, imagine what he can do to centers not quite as big and athletic. Oh wait, just ask Jermaine O’Neal himself. Perkins ate him alive in the playoffs last year. Perkins also was the best rebounder on the team. He was the only guy that all year rebounded night in and night out. Perkins did not care about touches, he only cared about the defense, rebounding and winning. A player that is willing to sacrifice offense to help win are far and few between.
The fact the Celtics got the O’Neals to hold the middle down until Perkins returns is great. However, in order to be celebrating in June, the Celtics will need the Beast to bring his tough physical game to the team. Kendrick Perkins will return in 2011 looking for redemption from last year’s Finals. I bet Perkins will work hard and come back strong and with an even bigger chip on his shoulder for a run at Banner 18. This spells trouble for the NBA and makes Celtics fans smile. Remember Go Green Or Go Home!!!
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Lets get one thing straight.Perk is the Celtics center bottom line.Perk is the future of the Celts period.We Celtics fans love and support Perk 100%.
Nuff Said