Perk Will Miss Start Of Camp

by Jeff Clark on Sep 27, 2008 9:43 AM EDT in Boston Celtics News & Links

It may be time to officially start worrying about the Center position. Marc Spears reports:

Celtics center Kendrick Perkins probably won't be able to shoulder the load when training camp starts Tuesday.

General manager Danny Ainge said yesterday that Perkins isn't expected to participate at the beginning of camp after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his left shoulder July 2, but he should be ready for the start of the regular season.
"He'll be trying to get through September," said Ainge, who added that the rest of the players on the roster are healthy. "I'm confident he will be in the starting lineup opening night."
With Perkins's status in doubt for exhibition games, it wouldn't be surprising to see Leon Powe start in his place. The Celtics also have newcomer Patrick O'Bryant at the position.
"I'm comfortable at the center position," Ainge said.

I believe Ainge when he says that he'll be ready for the start of the season. But how long before he's hurt again? If Perk is healthy, O'Bryant seems like a good gamble at the backup position. If Perk is out for any length of time, then I'm much less confident in the position.

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Comments

You’re comfortable with the center position, Danny? You may be the only one. :(

by silvershamrocker on Sep 27, 2008 9:45 AM EDT reply actions

I’m not so worried about O’Bryant playing more minutes. I am worried about KG playing at Center because Powe would probably start if Perk was out.

by P_two on Sep 27, 2008 10:10 AM EDT reply actions

When you’re vulnerable at a certain position and LOOKING for help at that position a smart trader will never reveal his desperation. Such a disclosure only drives the price higher. Of course Danny denies he’s worried and instead assumes the posture that he’s “comfortable”.

Which makes one wonder if his top priority is truly a back-up experienced PG.

by moskqq on Sep 27, 2008 10:27 AM EDT reply actions

O’Blount playing more minutes is an unmitigated disaster.

It is time to get on the phone and get center help. Right now.

by CoachBo on Sep 27, 2008 10:29 AM EDT reply actions

Losing Perk for the season and especially the playoffs would be a disaster.

More minutes for POB at this point is not, however. If he’s going to be a rotational player, lots of minutes early on is the way to get him there; and if he’s not, the early minutes will be valuable in telling us that.

by clover on Sep 27, 2008 10:51 AM EDT reply actions

Oh, and I expect Danny’s on the phone as we type!

by clover on Sep 27, 2008 10:52 AM EDT reply actions

Once again, CoachBo makes a statement of fact that is unsubstantiated to date…While I certainly don’t want POB to be our starting center-nor do i want Davis/Powe either-I can’t in good conscience chalk him up as a “disaster” before he’s played more than 200 NBA minutes-that’s just ridiculous…

…however, the status of Perk was CLEARLY known far in advance of this statement, which leads substantial credence to the rumored trade we had been hearing about for some time…it seems more plausible that the team has indeed been looking at playrs like Pryzbilla, (though his salary isn’t consistent with the financial planning model) and Steven Hunter…

Ultimately, this decision will be made based on information we DO NOT have access to, so standing in judgment one way or the other is quite irresponsible at this point…and of course hindsight is always 20/20, so at that point i’m sure there will be more “i told you so’s” to come…

by BillfromBoston on Sep 27, 2008 11:31 AM EDT reply actions

Haven’t heard the Patrick O’Blount joke in about ugh 2 days…I’m assuming they were aware of the fact that Perkins was on mend and might miss some camp. I have faith in DA if he believes that Perkins will be ready and I’m pretty sure that he’s already on ‘the phone’ if need be. Of course that would take into account that he maybe a bit more privy to the inside information in regards to the team. As Bill mentioned a trade seems the most likely but, God forbid it be for Powe.. This place might burn.

by Birdbrain on Sep 27, 2008 12:11 PM EDT reply actions

Get well Perk.

by mcpu40 on Sep 27, 2008 1:19 PM EDT reply actions

I smell a trade.

by Champzilla on Sep 27, 2008 2:27 PM EDT reply actions

i forgot about Leon Powe at the center position, he started there in place of Perkins in Game 5 of the NBA Finals.

plus we can expect to see Big Baby in the center position for small stints.

i would be surprised if O’Bryant plays more than 20mpg in the preseason and more than 10-15mpg in the first few months of the season

by patterson.adam on Sep 27, 2008 2:34 PM EDT reply actions

this is news we don’t like to hear. keep kg awat from the center spot-please.

by nazzbo on Sep 27, 2008 3:09 PM EDT reply actions

I hope they don’t rush Perk back. The Cs need him in May/June,
not necessarily in Sept/Oct. If Perk is out for a while and
O’Bryant isn’t the answer Ainge will take appropriate action I am sure.

by Greg37 on Sep 27, 2008 4:32 PM EDT reply actions

Has anyone heard or read something that gives some Celtic management assessment of POB, now that he has been working out for a while with our coaches?

by Bozo on Sep 27, 2008 5:08 PM EDT reply actions

So would I, patterson.adam. Idon’t think anyone’s expecting more than that at best.

by clover on Sep 27, 2008 5:53 PM EDT reply actions

Not worried…it’s only September.

Why is Coach Bo talking about the playoffs…that’s 7 months away!!

by Mon on Sep 27, 2008 7:17 PM EDT reply actions

Can anyone give me any insight/background into where the talk about Pryzbilla is coming from? He’s a pretty good player, a genuine big man with decent skills, especially on defense, who also plays fairly tough under the basket. I don’t understand how the Celtics could afford him. I realize that Portland is now loaded upfront with Oden and Aldridge, but I would think there’d be plenty of teams with more money/flexibility that the Celtics that would want him.

Also, is he a free agent, or is this trade talk?

by Cousin It on Sep 28, 2008 1:28 AM EDT reply actions

Beside the center’s position, there are some remaining things that have not be completed.
Sam Cassel contract, Contracts for the Assistant Coaches. Does anyone know the status on these.

by Celtic33@FLA. on Sep 28, 2008 5:35 AM EDT reply actions