Kendrick Perkins: A man who knows his role

Posted by Brian Robb on Sep 30, 2009 34043 commentshttp%3A%2F%2Fcelticshub.com%2F2009%2F09%2F30%2Fkendrick-perkins-a-man-who-knows-his-role%2FKendrick+Perkins%3A+A+man+who+knows+his+role2009-09-30+18%3A34%3A43Brian+Robbhttp%3A%2F%2Fcelticshub.com%2F%3Fp%3D3404

Earlier this week at media day, I had the opportunity to sit down with Kendrick Perkins one on one to talk about the strides he made in his offensive game this past year, his role with the team and  his thoughts on this upcoming season.

Celtics Hub: You seemed to make a lot of strides in your offensive game last year, once KG went down. Is that something you want to see carry over into this year?

Kendrick Perkins: It’s not a focus….but you know obviously if Doc gives me a bigger role, I’m not afraid to take it on, but it’s not my focus, I’m just trying to play my role.

I’m part of a great situation right now, it’s a great ballclub, so I don’t want to get outside my role, I want to do what it takes to win. If KG not……if he has an off night they might have to go to me, but that’s not my concern, my concern is doing my role and going from there.

Celtics Hub: You started to take a few little jump shots towards the end of last year with some success….is that something you are going to try to work into your game more?

KP: You know, sometimes you get put into that situation where you have to take it. You know you’re going to have to miss it or make it. I put in enough work in my jump shot so I have a lot of confidence behind it, so I keep going behind it.

Celtics Hub: Describe how your summer has been. Have you been working out a lot or did you take some time off to rest up?

KP: I’ve been working out pretty much the whole summer, it’s been good. I came back early, worked out with the guys here. Got a chance to get up and down and play a little bit so everything’s been good.

Celtics Hub: Talk about the team’s new front court acquisitions in Rasheed Wallace and Shelden Williams and their style of play fitting in with the team

KP: As far as Rasheed, he is going to help us a lot, he’s a great defender. He knows the game and obviously we know he can shoot the ball. With Shelden, he gives us some more depth on the bench and is a great shot blocker so he will help a lot as well.

Notice the similarities in answers when I asked Danny Ainge about Kendrick Perkins’ game and role in with the team, after the jump.

Celtics Hub: Talk about how Kendrick’s has progressed since the team drafted him out of high school in 2003?

Danny Ainge: Kendrick has been excellent. He is one of the top low post defenders in the league, the last few years. He is a good rebounder, his offensive game is progressing. I think he is better offensively than most people give him credit for.

What he does for us….defend and rebound. That’s what we need him to be, to be a really good team. He has made great strides in accepting his role and playing a great part.

It appears to be pretty clear here after talking to both individuals that everyone is on the same page of what Kendrick Perkins will be doing for this 2009-10 Celtics squad: the dirty work.

So for those of you looking for a repeat of Perk’s last season’s playoff numbers, where he averaged over 11 points a game, I wouldn’t count on it. And that’s perfectly fine with number 43 who will be the enforcer down low on both ends of the floor, while waiting his turn offensively to get involved.

Talk like that makes me excited about this team for next season. Perk knows his role so don’t look for any complaining to occur between him and Rasheed about who plays at the end of games. Perk knows his job and will be ready to perform in when called upon.