Remember when the Celtics signed Shaquille O'Neal a few weeks ago, and various players started weighing in with their reactions? Well, people noticed that Kendrick Perkins was apparently staying mute on the topic, and some speculation arose that he might be slightly put-off with the addition, given the fact that he'll be spending the first half of the season (if not longer), rehabbing from right ACL surgery. Well, apparently, that's not the case. According to Gary Washburn of The Boston Globe, Perk sees Shaq as a 'great pickup'. 

He told the Globe Friday afternoon that his goal is to return in late January and said he is fine with the Celtics signing of Shaquille O'Neal to fill his vacant spot at center.

"I thought it was a great pickup for what we got him for," Perkins said by phone from Texas. "Shaq is a Hall of Famer. He can always help us. I think it was a great pickup. I am glad that he is on the team. We just got one goal, and that's just trying to win the ring."

Team president Danny Ainge said last week that Perkins would have to work to regain his starting spot in the lineup when he returned to full health. Perkins said he is not intimidated by that challenge.

"I don't see it threatening me at all," he said. "I gotta work hard. I know I gotta fight to get back to where I was. It's no problem with me. Hard work is not a problem."