FLCeltsFan's Celtic Thunder: August 2012

Friday, August 31, 2012

NBA2K12 Gives Perk Super Powers

Now, I've always held the belief that Perk has super powers. After all, he can stop a charging Howard with single coverage. That's a pretty good super power. Now, NBA2K12 shows that they share my opinion by giving Perk the ability to walk through players. I love it!!

Celtics Links for Today 8/31

Celtics Green Maine Red Claws Announce Schedule
Assistant Coach Mike Zarren to Stay with Celtics
Kris Joseph Participates in Steve Nash's Team Canada Camp
Jason Terry Has Some Fun Shooting Reebok Commercial
Paul Pierce Undergoing Sand Therapy
Lex Nihil Novi Larry Lights Up the Jazz
McHale Already Being Mentioned in Same Breath as Walton
Celtic Nation Two-Headed Monster
SQ12#31 A Rose By Any Other Name

Perk Hosting at Bayou Place

Vic Elmo & Kendrick Perkins (With Perk's wife Vanity in the background)

I can go weeks without seeing a mention of Perk in the news in the offseason, especially when he's recovering from not one, but two off-season surgeries. Today, I got two Google Alerts in a row with mentions of Perk. The first was the Hoops card below and the second was that Perk hosts Live! on Fridays at Bayou Place.

I had no idea what Bayou Place was so did a search and found that they describe Bayou Place as Houston's premier entertainment destination, featuring world-class establishments. Bayou Place is where Houston goes to play. I learn something new every day. So, I guess that along with rehabbing from groin and wrist surgery Perk is doing a bit of hosting in Houston, Texas. Let's just hope that no crazies hang out there. Stay safe, Perk.

Perk's 2012-13 Hoops Basketball Card

2012-13 Hoops Basketball Card #134 Kendrick Perkins

Oklahoma City Thunder

I don't collect basketball cards but I'd buy this one.

Celtics Links for Today 8/29

Herald Virginia Beach reveals plan to draw NBA or NHL team
Tracked down: Maria Menounos, Larry David, Rajon Rondo and more..
Celtics Green The True Measure of Greatness
Former Celtic E'Twaun Moore Signing with Magic
Lex Nihil Novi Can Rondo Win MVP and Score Less than 20 Per Game?
Lex's Lobbying Efforts Starting to Pay Off?
Celtics Life Did Thibs steal Coach Scalabrine from Doc?
Rajon Rondo channels his inner Roy Hobbs

Perk Mix and a Few PerkThoughts

I mentioned to Lex the other day how I thought that Perk could be the MVP of the Celtics. I've been thinking a bit more about that. Going back to the 2008 Finals, in games 1-4 and 6, the Celtics dominated inside and the Lakers vaunted bigs (Bynum, Odom, and Gasol) were almost invisible. Then in Game 5, all 3 of their bigs dominated inside. The difference? Perk missed that game.

In 2010, the Celtics were poised to claim another title when Perk went down in game 6. In Game 7, the Celtics were outplayed inside and on the boards and they were edged out by the Lakers (and the Refs). In 2011, the Celtics were playing well. Perk was just back from the injury and then he was traded. And the team went down hill and just couldn't seem to pull it together. It was quite evident that, even though he hadn't played the beginning of the year, the team missed Perk. They knew what Danny gave away and it hurt the chemistry and mindset of the team. Ubuntu was destroyed. The Celtics have tried to replace him ever since and still haven't been able to do so.

On the other hand, from the time that Perk joined the Thunder, they have improved and have become one of the top contenders for a title. They were good before the trade, but now they are considered a great team. The difference between then and now is simply the addition of Perk. Whether anyone else will admit it, Perk is so much more valuable to the team than any box score shows. Perk is my MVP. (Most Valuable Perk)

Check out my other blog posts on Celtics Green.

Celtics Links for Today 8/27

Herald 76ers coach Dough Collins downplays talk of leading Olympic basketball
Globe US women win first 3-on-3 world basketball title
Celtics Green Knight Watch - Jared Sullinger
Happy Birthday Tommy - A Celtic Through and Through
Celtics Life Video: Kevin McHale "Graceful" mix
Celtic Nation Blowing Smoke
SQ12#27 Can Stars Coach?
Celtics’ Offseason – Under the Hood

Perk - 15 Pts. vs Spurs in Game 4 WCF 2012

Keep in mind as you watch this video that Perk is playing with a partially torn groin muscle as well as a torn ligament in his wrist. He had surgery on both injuries after the Finals. Most players would be sitting on the sidelines in a suit with those injuries but not Perk. He's a warrior and one of the toughest players in the league.

Celtics Links for Today 8/24

Herald Heat continues to scour options at center
Robin Lopez eager for fresh, healthy start with Hornets
Are Kings considering a Virginia move?
Globe Microsoft opens new store with stars
Jeff Green hopes to contribute to Celtics in a big way this season
Celtics Green Fab Melo vs the Folding Chair
Video Interview with Jeff Green
Rookie Survey Results - Fab is Funny
#18 Begins in the Off-Season

SB Nation blogs are doing a Best Trade Ever series. I'm a bit conflicted on this one. Welcome to Loud City has this to say about the Thunder's best trade ever.

Jeff Green and Nenad Krstic were traded to the Boston Celtics for Kendrick Perkins and Nate Robinson. These were the pieces, but in reality this trade was OKC forgoing Green to get Perkins.

Perkins was everything that the Thunder seemed to be missing: interior toughness, defense, rebounding, and championship experience. Perkins was also a local guy (he went to high school in Beaumont, TX) who had home town values and fit right into the Thunder identity. He worked hard, played hard, and held himself accountable while keeping others accountable as well.

Over time, this trade has borne itself out heavily in the Thunder's favor. Perkins helped launch the Thunder into a two year run which culminated in a Western Conference Finals appearance in Year 1 and a Finals appearance in Year 2. He has played through injury, adversity, and all of the scrutiny that comes with being the center on a championship contending team. As we saw in last year's playoffs, Perkins was the perfect antidote for the big men who ruled the West (Andrew Bynum, Pau Gasol).

Unfortunately, after the trade, the Celtics who were on top of the league and playing very well, began to slide and I believe that the trade blew a chance to compete for the championship that season. Ever since, the Celtics have been trying to replace what Perk brought to the team with little success. The closest they have come was to move KG to the center position, which paid dividends last season. But they still haven't replaced what Perk brought to the team: the toughness and grit and heart that he brought to every game.

So, I'm happy for the Thunder who have indeed benefited from this trade. I've come to love the Thunder They are a fun team to root for. Lots of young players with great character. Now that Dwight Howard is on one of the Thunder's biggest rivals, Perk becomes even more important to them. But with Bynum on the Sixers, he could be very important to the Celtics too.

I started following the Thunder because of the trade and so that's a good thing. But the best trade ever for the Thunder is still the worst trade for the Celtics and I very much miss Perk on the Celtics. What he brought to the team is very hard to replace and will never show up in the box score.

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Celtics Links for Today 8/21

Herald NBA, Ticketmaster team up on ticket site
Celtics Green Rondo Gets Around- Hanging out with UK Volleyball Team
Playing H-O-R-S-E
Celtics Hire Jay Larranaga as Assistant Coach
Celtics Life ESPN 30 for 30 Movie: Once Brothers
Celtic Nation SQ12#21 Is Good Basketball an Entertainment Fail?
Lex Nihil Novi Let the Lakers Pursue their Superstars
C's Still not Playing Well, but Starting to Win

Thunderstruck!!!

Kevin Durant has a new movie coming out and here is the trailer for it. I think it looks really good but then I love family movies and this looks like one the whole family will enjoy.

Sunday, August 19, 2012

Celtics Links for Today 8/19

Herald Serge Ibaka’s new deal with Thunder reportedly for $48M
Hornets give coach Monty Williams 4-year extension
Globe Jason Terry can’t wait to get started with the Celtics
Celtics Green Jason Terry Is Almost as Excited for the Season as I Am
Don Nelson Done with Coaching
The Original Showtime Basketball

Celtics Links for Today 8/18

Globe Boston sports superfans
CSNNE Terry: 'Can't wait' for Opening Night
NESN Larry Bird Personified Greatness for 13 Seasons With Celtics (Video)
Celtics Green Playing Chess With the League
Celt's Assistant GM Considered for Sixers GM Position
When Dwight Howard and Josh Smith Were Celtics
Jeff Green's Contract to Be Official Next Week
Jason Terry Has Totally Won Me Over

This is my favorite picture of Perk. Not sure why other than it shows he is capable of putting the "Oh no" look on LeBron's face. When LeBron talked trash about Perk when Griffin dunked on him, maybe he was getting even for this photo of Perk totally owning him. And, about that dunk. Perk is a defender. He will get in front of every player going for a dunk and sometimes he will get the block and sometimes he will get dunked on. I personally think that Griffin committed an offensive foul on that dunk but it wasn't called. I'd rather have my center willing to step in and try to block a shot and be posterized once in a while than have one who steps away to avoid the contact. I'll take Perk every time.

Serge Ibaka's 11 Block Game vs Nuggets

In honor of Serge Ibaka's four year $48 million extension with the Thunder, here is his 11 block game vs the Denver Nuggets on February 19, 2012. Serge got a triple double the hard way with 15 points, 15 rebounds and 11 blocks. Amazing. Congrats to Serge on the extension.

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Another Westbrook-Harden Commercial - These Guys are Good

Another great commercial with Russell Westbrook and James Harden for Foot Locker. In this one they are joined by Chris Bosh and Kevin Love. Enjoy.

Celtics Links for Today 8/16

Herald Andrew Bynum receives rock star welcome in Philadelphia
Derrick Rose: Finding out ACL torn was like death
Judge: No shaving time for Tim Donaghy
Globe Howard trade shifts power to Los Angeles
Celtics Green Congratulations to The Other Team USA
Wyc Thinks KG Has a Nuclear Reactor Inside
Random Thoughts on Green, O'Neal, and more
Speaking of Character - Jared Sullinger Has It

Hilarious Westbrook-Harden Commercial

This is too funny. The beard was the best part.

Kendrick Perkins Photo of the Day

I love Perk's game face. He looks absolutely scary out there. But, if you ever see him with Li'l Perk, you know that he also can look very happy. My daughter loved this picture as her favorite food is Pizza Rolls. She would eat them morning, noon and night if I'd let her. Looks like Perk likes them too :)

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Li'l Perk

Kendrick Perkins Jr gets interviewed by Craig Sager and fun ensues.

Celtics Links for Today 8/14

Herald LeBron James duplicates Michael Jordan at Olympics
Rockets sign Carlos Delfino
76ers’ Bynum heading to Germany for knee treatment
Lakers sign Jodie Meeks
Globe Globe sports columnist Bob Ryan says goodbye after 44 years
Rivers: Collins should be next coach for Team USA
Celtics Green Danny's Vision and Vindication
A Few Monday Morning Random Thoughts

Seeing Perk Kick Wade in the Head Never Gets Old

This never gets old. Seeing Perk kick Dwyane Wade in the head just brings a smile to my face. I can watch this all day. Way to go Perk!!

Celtics Links for Today 8/13

Herald Coach K leaves masterful Olympic run at the top of his game
Team USA wins gold, beats Spain 107-100 in men’s hoops
Globe World's greatest unibrow - and other post-Olympic thoughts
Want an Olympian’s nightstand? It’s on sale here
Celtics Green Congratulations to Team USA- GOLD!
A Few More Random Jeff Green Thoughts

Perk on Rome Is Burning

I love Perk! He's so honest and candid in interviews. Always says what he thinks.

Sunday, August 12, 2012

Celtics Links for Today 8/12

Herald Team USA-Spain basketball final is a rematch of ’08
Russia wins men’s bronze, beats Argentina 81-77
Mike Krzyzewski: Gold-medal game his last as Team USA coach
Kobe Bryant prepares for likely Olympic last hurrah
FIBA: No basketball age limit expected for 2016
Globe Globe sports columnist Bob Ryan says goodbye after 44 years
Celtics Green Jason Terry's New Tattoo is AWESOME!
Brandon Bass Doing Good Things in China and at Home

Video Tribute to Perk

Here is the video the Celtics showed on Perk's first visit back to the Garden after the trade. I sure miss Perk and with Bynum in Philly, I have a feeling the Celtics will miss him more than ever this season. A fitting tribute to a Champion in every way!!

Friday, August 10, 2012

Celtics Links for Today 8/10

Herald Reports: Dwight Howard headed to Lakers in 4-team deal
Secret Weapon: Gold medalist in ‘48 returns
Globe Five questions with Dwyane Wade
Celtics release preseason schedule
Celtics Green Celtics Preseason Schedule Released
Rondo is Back to Work
Happy Birthday to the Houdini of the Hardwood
Lakers Set to Acquire Dwight Howard
Courtney Lee Excited to Be a Celtic

Perk has been able to handle Dwight Howard quite well in their battles against each other. When Perk was with the Celtics, he was able to hold Howard to ten points below his average. And the very important thing about Perk is that he is one of the few players in the league who can cover Howard one on one so that you don't have to double and leave someone, say Kobe, or Nash open. Perk's value to the Thunder just increased considerably with the arrival of Howard in LA. I have written many times about Perk's value against Howard on Celtics Green. Howard's offense has been limited to dunks and shots in the paint and Perk is one of the few players strong enough to keep him out of his comfort zone.

Perk has always been valuable for slowing down Bynum in LA, and he did a decent job with it. But Perk can also keep Howard out farther than he likes on defense also, which opens the lane up somewhat. The Celtics could use Perk's talents now that Philly has Bynum. I know that Perk doesn't always match up with the quicker more athletic centers but there will always be that one team with the center like Howard or Bynum that you have to get past to get a title and for that, Every team needs a Perk. Back when the Celtics had to go through Magic to get to the Finals, this headline on a Magic blog made me smile: "BOSTON ‘D’ IS HOWARD’S KRYPTONITE." Now The Thunder are going to need that Kryptonite for their title run.

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Kendrick Perkins Photo of the Day

Thought this one was pretty funny. They do sort of have the same scowl on their faces. Would be better if Perk was still in green, though.

Monday, August 6, 2012

KG Agrees With Me

Here is a post I put up on Celtics Green on October 11, 2007 during training camp of the Celtics' 17th championship season. KG was getting to know Perk and he felt, as I did that Perk was going to be a big part of that team and would help out his game by being the enforcer in the center and being a defensive stopper in the middle. And Pierce adds that he feels that Perk would be one of the top centers in the East. After that season, there was no doubt that Perk was a difference maker.

For 4 years now, I have been telling everyone who would listen to me that Perk is going to be a great center. I love this guy and his attitude and his toughness and his work ethic. I have been saying since his first season when I saw how hard he worked to get into shape that he was going to be something special. I have been told I was crazy and told that Perk is nothing more than a back up center on a bad team. I never believed that and it seems that neither do Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce.

His first 2 seasons, Perk got very little playing time and when he did get into the game, Doc would pull him as soon as he made a mistake rather than letting him play through his mistakes and learn from them. Finally, his third season he got a chance to play and then he injured his shoulder. That summer he had surgery and while Big Al was able to work out with Clifford Ray, Perk was rehabbing his shoulder. Last season he was hampered by plantar fasciitis but yet, only sat out 10 games because his team needed him. But, he couldn't practice and it hampered his movement and jumping ability. He played in pain much of the season but never used that as an excuse.

Herald Jeremy Lin thrills Taiwanese fans
Argentina, then quarters for Team USA basketball
Globe Judo champion Kayla Harrison meets Celtics coach Doc Rivers
Reggie Jackson plans to make noise with Thunder
Celtics Green Follow the Leader?
Former Celtic Arnie Risen Dies at 87
Random Thoughts on KG, JJ, Doc and More
Celtic Nation SQ12#5 Biggest Disappointment of Celtics’ Off-Season
SQ12#6 Most Underrated F/A Signing in Boston

Paul Pierce Loves Perk Too

This is a post I did on Celtics Green on August 14, 2007, going into the Celtics' championship season. Perk's play was very crucial to winning the championship. His importance can be seen in the finals. In games 1-4 and 6, the Lakers bigs were practically non existent. In game 5, both Bynum and Gasol put up big numbers. The difference? Perk missed game 5. His importance doesn't show up in the stats but it sure does show up in the results.

I included this in the Fiddlin' and Diddlin' section, but the more I thought about it, the more I thought is needed to be in a separate post. In the Herald's report on Pierce's interview, Pierce singles out Perk for some praise.

“This is going to make Perk (Kendrick Perkins) a better player, too. But I thought he was starting to show his improvement late in the year. His fouls were down, and that’s him really starting to understand the NBA game in his fourth year.”

I have been on the Kendrick Perkins bandwagon since we got him and have been telling anyone who would listen that this kid is going to break out this season.

Perk got off to a slow start because he was still rehabbing from that shoulder injury in the beginning of the season. Then he was hampered by the plantar fasciitis for much of the season. A lot of people forgot about the fact that he was playing in pain because he was out there every game giving his all and never complained about it. You have to love that in a player. He is as tough as they come. .

As Pierce notes, he showed a lot of improvement late in the year because his foot was starting to heal and he could move without being in excruciating pain. He was fouling less and playing some great defense in the paint. Perk never got to work with Clifford Ray in the offseason last year because of the shoulder injury but will have this entire summer to work with him along with Tom Thibodeau who is responsible for Yao Ming's emergence. I love that Pierce is giving Perk some love because he is going to surprise a lot of people this year. Better jump on the bandwagon now because it is going to get very crowded by the end of the season. Just remember - I was there first.

Celtics Links for Today 8/5

Herald Team USA survives scare to beat Lithuania 99-94
France beats Russia 65-54 in women’s Olympic hoops
Celtics Green Remembering Larry Legend
Hollinger Rates the Offseason: Where do the Celtics Rank?
Lex Nihil Novi K.McHale: The Hall of Fame Speech
Clutch Defense was the Difference

Great 2007 Media Day Interview with Perk

The guys at Perkisabeast got this great interview with Perk on media day in 2007. He discusses his preparation for the season, losing his friend Big Al in the trade, his relationship with Kevin Garnett and many other topics. Excellent interview with the big guy! One thing I've always loved about Perk is his openness and honesty. He tells it like he sees it.

Celtics Links for Today 8/4

Herald Russia beats Spain 77-74 in men’s Olympic hoops
Globe Pierce adjusts plans
Pierce continues talking about contract, Celtics future
Pierce finally opens up about Ray Allen, Celtics future
What’s the same, different about the Celtics?
Celtics Green Paul Pierce Training and Talking
Red Had the Answer to Flopping Years Ago
Rondo's Post-Practice Workout
More from The Captain

Perk is a Beast Mix

Here's a good mix of Perk as a Celtic. He certainly is a beast. I sure do miss him!!

Celtics Links for Today 8/3

Herald Celtics big man Chris Wilcox lends hand on Grand Strand
US men beat Nigeria 156-73 in Olympic basketball
Globe Celtic's Chris Wilcox lends hand on Grand Strand
Celtics Green Speaking of Character
Dionte Christmas Wins the Title (Sort of)
Bulls Sign the Energizer Bunny
Random Thoughts on Random Basketball Topics

Lots of Love for The Beast

Here is an article I wrote on Celtics Green on December 2, 2009. I've always said that Perk's value will never be understood from the box scores but in this piece, some numbers do show his contributions. But his importance to a team goes way beyond the numbers and anyone who has followed him for any amount of time knows that. Perk is a Beast and there's just no denying it.

I think back to Perk's first 4 seasons in the league and how many articles I wrote about what a great player he was going to be and how I loved the way he played defense. Way back then, I was a lone voice singing Perk's praises. Well, almost a lone voice. The crack staff over at Perkisabeast were also on the Perk bandwagon with me back then.

I have been so excited to see all the love that Perk is getting lately. And he deserves every bit of it. Here is just a sampling of what I found just in the last day. First, from Celtics Hub:

Kendrick Perkins is leading the league in FG Percentage at 64.3% per game. Let that register for a little bit for a guy who use to be one of the most hesitant shooters on the team, if not the league.

The guy has surely come a long way but Perk’s continued progression on the offensive end has been a pleasure to watch, as he firmly establishes himself as one of the premiere big men, not only in the Eastern Conference, but the entire league

Herald New Magic coach Jacque Vaughn shows charisma on first day
Celtics sign Jason Collins, re-sign Keyon Dooling
Globe Dooling re-signs with Celtics
Celtics Green Celtics Officially Sign Four Players
Five Years Ago Today, Everything Changed
The Importance of Chemistry
Doc Blames Himself for Ray's Departure

CelticThunder Blog

Friday, August 31, 2012

Thursday, August 30, 2012

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Monday, August 27, 2012

Saturday, August 25, 2012

Friday, August 24, 2012

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Monday, August 20, 2012

Sunday, August 19, 2012

Saturday, August 18, 2012

Friday, August 17, 2012

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Monday, August 13, 2012

Sunday, August 12, 2012

Saturday, August 11, 2012

Friday, August 10, 2012

Thursday, August 9, 2012

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Monday, August 6, 2012

Sunday, August 5, 2012

Saturday, August 4, 2012

Friday, August 3, 2012

Thursday, August 2, 2012

Wednesday, August 1, 2012