Since the start of the 2007-2008 season Kendrick Perkins has started in every game he has played in as a member of the Boston Celtics. During those three season's Perk established himself as the true starting center of this team, and at times even showed all-star potential.
With the addition of the O'Neals, Perkins may find himself in a rare condition when he returns from injury in February. He may have to compete for his starting job, something he has not had to do in three seasons.
Today, the panel of eighteen experts on ESPN Boston tackled the question of whether or not Perkins should have to earn his spot when he returns. Many, including myself, believed what he has done the past three seasons is enough to earn him the spot, while some believe it's fair game come February.
Brandon Paul, Gino's Jungle
The Celtics' five starters have been together since the start of the 2008 championship season and it should stay that way unless Perkins comes back still showing signs of injury. Remember, this unit still hasn't been beat in a seven-game series when healthy.
What I'm not saying here is that if Perkins comes back looking like Patty O'Bryant he should have the starting job. I'm assuming that Perk will come back playing somewhere near the level he has played the past three seasons. He should, however, have a slight advantage over the other guys just because of what he's done with this team since the '08-'09 season.
Some of the guys on the panel didn't quite agree.
Jon Duke, Celtics Stuff Live
Kendrick Perkins needs to prove he can play at a level higher than what the O'Neals can provide. This could be a tall order for Perk, as his already primitive offensive game will appear absolutely prehistoric next to a pair of the best low-post scorers of the last decade. No doubt, Perk's defense will quickly round into form, but his often-vanishing effort on the glass is of much greater concern. A man of Perk's size should be a far better rebounder than he showed in 2009-10, and taking that area as a place to improve would be wise as he rehabilitates from his knee injury.
Jon sure brought it 100% with this answer. What he says he is 100% spot on. When Perk comes back he needs to prove that he is just as good of, or better of, a rebounder than the two O'Neals. Hopefully a little bit of a friendly competition will drive Perk to succeed, and ultimately help the team out even more than he did in previous seasons.
As always, good stuff from all the guys in the Celtics Summer Forecast. Be sure to check out all the opinions over at ESPN Boston.
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