Kendrick Perkins: Not Quite Ready to Be A Beast

by Jim Weeks on Sep 28, 2008 12:17 PM EDT in Green Bandwagon

It turns out that Kendrick Perkins (recovering from shoulder surgery) will not hit the ground running when training camp kicks off:

"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." - Danny Ainge

Obviously someone from the Leon Powe, Glen Davis, Patrick O'Bryant triumvirate has to step up and deliver. Of course I'm confident in what Leon Powe brings to the table. Although I like him much more as Kevin Garnett's back up at the 4. More importantly I'm concerned for 2 reasons:

1. Even if you forgot about Perk's incredibly reasonable contract and ferocious attitude, you'd be content with the tremendous impact he makes on defense. Put it this way. If the Celtics had to play the Lakers tomorrow Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom would be much happier if Perk earned a DNP.

2. No one, Kevin Garnett included, wants KG to play the 5.

Ultimately it is way too early to overreact. As important as Perk is, the Celtics are not facing what the Washington Wizards are. Furthermore, we're going to get even more of a chance to see what Patrick O'Bryant can or cannot do. Finally, I always appreciate when an organization takes the cautious route with a player. That tends to pay off in the long run.

Hat tip Red's Army, and of course the Boston Globe, for the story.

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Here’s an early chance to see a lot of Patrick O Bryant during the exhibition games.

I haven’t liked what I saw in the past from O Bryant, but Clifford Ray offers the situation a glimmer of hope. This should be interesting.

by NBR on Sep 28, 2008 3:31 PM EDT reply actions

I'm torn on O'Bryant

In hindsight Golden State was not a good destination in terms of style of play. On top of that Don Nelson did not seem thrilled to have him. At the same time the Warriors were desperate for some more rebounding. Did Nelson believe O’Bryant was incapable of delivering that? Meanwhile, I’m a huge Clifford Ray. I count listening to him yell “Make him pay!” at a game last season as one of my highlights of the 2008 season. And there is no denying the work he has done with some big men. Al Jefferson, Perkins, and Glen Davis come to mind. Dwight Howard of course too. Still, it remains to be seen if O’Bryant has the same drive. Definitely one of the bigger stories heading into camp as far as the supporting cast goes.

Green Bandwagon: Repeat in '09 or bust. Are you on the bandwagon?

by Jim Weeks on Sep 28, 2008 4:03 PM EDT up reply actions