Kendrick Perkins

{{Infobox basketball biography

| name = Kendrick "Perk" Perkins

| image = Kendrick Perkins.jpg

| caption = Perkins with the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2011

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1984|11|10}}

| birth_place = Nederland, Texas, U.S.

| height_ft = 6

| height_in = 10

| weight_lb = 270

| high_school = Clifton J. Ozen (Beaumont, Texas)

| draft_year = 2003

| draft_round = 1

| draft_pick = 27

| draft_team = Memphis Grizzlies

| career_start = 2003

| career_end = 2018

| career_position = Center

| career_number = 43, 5, 3, 21

| years1 = {{nbay|2003|start}}–{{nbay|2010|end}}

| team1 = Boston Celtics

| years2 = {{nbay|2010|end}}–{{nbay|2014|end}}

| team2 = Oklahoma City Thunder

| years3 = {{nbay|2014|end}}

| team3 = Cleveland Cavaliers

| years4 = {{nbay|2015|full=y}}

| team4 = New Orleans Pelicans

| years5 = 2017–2018

| team5 = Canton Charge

| years6 = {{nbay|2017|end}}

| team6 = Cleveland Cavaliers

| highlights =

Shaqtin A Fool MVP (2014)
NBA champion ({{nbafy|2008}})
McDonald's All-American (2003)
First-team Parade All-American (2003)
Second-team Parade All-American (2002)
Texas Mr. Basketball (2003)

| stats_league = NBA

| stat1label = Points

| stat1value = 4,214 (5.4 ppg)

| stat2label = Rebounds

| stat2value = 4,532 (5.8 rpg)

| stat3label = Blocks

| stat3value = 903 (1.2 bpg)

}}

Kendrick Le'Dale Perkins (born November 10, 1984) is an American former professional basketball player who serves as sports analyst for ESPN. He entered the NBA directly out of high school and played for the Boston Celtics, Oklahoma City Thunder, Cleveland Cavaliers and New Orleans Pelicans, winning the NBA Championship in 2008 with the Celtics.

Early life

Perkins was born in Nederland, Texas{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/2018/kendrick-perkins| title = Kendrick Perkins| publisher=ESPN|access-date= May 5, 2017}} and raised by his grandparents, who lived on a farm.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/cavaliers/news/features/growingup-perkins-150321|title = Growing up ... Kendrick Perkins| website=NBA.com }} His mother was shot and killed by her best friend{{cite web|url=https://nypost.com/2023/01/07/kendrick-perkins-on-growing-up-poor-to-making-it-in-the-nba/|title=Kendrick Perkins on growing up poor, missing his mom, and making it to the NBA|last=Newsham|first=Gavin|date=January 7, 2023|website=New York Post|access-date=December 16, 2023}} when Kendrick turned five. His father played professional basketball in New Zealand — where he stayed throughout — and never visited Perkins.{{Cite web|url=https://en.24smi.org/celebrity/118329-kendrick-perkins.html#:~:text=collaborating%20with%20ESPN.-,Childhood%20and%20youth,who%20lived%20on%20a%20farm.|title=Kendrick Perkins}} Perkins went to a private Catholic school starting in sixth grade. Perkins' grandfather was very enthusiastic about sports, helping spark his competitive passion. In addition to basketball, Perkins also participated in pick-up football games as a defensive end, and baseball as a first baseman. Perkins stopped playing baseball in ninth grade, and gave up on football in tenth grade.

Perkins first met LeBron James in the seventh grade when playing for Houston Hoops and competing against LeBron's Ohio Shooting Stars.{{cite web|url=https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/kendrick-perkins-continually-reminds-lebron-that-he-is-great/|title=Kendrick Perkins continually reminds LeBron that he is great|last=Pandian|first=Ananth|date=March 4, 2015|website=CBS Sports|access-date=December 16, 2023}} Perkins later became friends with LeBron during his time at ABCD Camp where they were teammates on the Oakland Soldiers.{{cite web|url=https://www.bostonherald.com/2010/05/11/lebron-james-kendrick-perkins-both-soldiers-of-fortune/|title=LeBron James, Kendrick Perkins both Soldiers of Fortune|last=Murphy|first=Mark|date=May 11, 2010|website=Boston Herald|access-date=December 16, 2023}} During his time on the AAU circuit beginning in eighth grade, Perkins was ranked No. 3, LeBron at No. 1, and Chris Paul at No. 2. Perkins had his largest growth spurt from eighth grade to ninth grade, where he went from {{Height|ft=6|in=5|out=unit}} to {{Height|ft=6|in=10|out=unit}}, his current height. Perkins' first in-game dunk was in the seventh grade.{{Cite web |title=Growing Up ... Kendrick Perkins |url=https://www.nba.com/cavaliers/news/features/growingup-perkins-150321 |access-date=2023-06-24 |website=www.nba.com |language=en}}

High school

Perkins graduated from Clifton J. Ozen High School in Beaumont, Texas, in 2003. He led Ozen High to four consecutive district championships and one state championship during his high school career. Averaging 27.5 points, 16.4 rebounds and 7.8 blocked shots a game as a senior, he led Ozen to a 33–1 record, with the only loss being a 66–54 setback to Fort Worth Dunbar in the state 4A championship game. After his senior season in 2003, Perkins was selected to the McDonald's All-American Game.

Considered a five-star recruit by Rivals.com, Perkins was listed as the No. 3 center and the No. 6 player in the nation in 2003.[https://sports.yahoo.com/footballrecruiting/basketball/recruiting/player-Kendrick-Perkins-4025;_ylt=Ava4aXn4p_B77wMdi343BFlGPZB4 Kendrick Perkins Recruiting Profile] He had originally committed to Memphis, but opted instead to make the jump to the NBA straight out of high school.

Professional career

=Boston Celtics (2003–2011)=

File:Perk Media Day.png

The {{height|ft=6|in=10}} center was drafted in the first round with the 27th pick of the 2003 NBA draft by the Memphis Grizzlies,{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/p/perkike01.html| title = Kendrick Le'Dale Perkins| publisher= Basketball-Reference.Com|access-date= November 23, 2012}} but was immediately traded along with Marcus Banks to the Boston Celtics in exchange for Troy Bell and Dahntay Jones, who had been selected by the Celtics in the same draft.[http://www.nba.com/grizzlies/news/draft_trade_030626.html Grizzlies Trade Draft Rights to 13th & 27th Overall Selections to the Celtics for BC's Troy Bell and Duke's Dahntay Jones] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031011161510/http://www.nba.com/grizzlies/news/draft_trade_030626.html |date=2003-10-11 }}

During the 2004–05 season, Perkins received more playing time than he did his rookie season, and became known as one of the tougher players on the Celtics. He had a limited role during the regular season and playoffs as the team's "enforcer". Perkins was involved in an unusual scenario in the final seconds of regulation in Game 6 of the 2005 Eastern Conference first round against Indiana. Paul Pierce was ejected but Pierce was owed free throws because he had been fouled before the ejection. Under NBA rules, Indiana coach Rick Carlisle chose to select Perkins (who had not played in the game) off the bench to shoot the crucial free throws (the game was tied). Perkins missed both, indirectly leading the game going into overtime, in which the Celtics eventually won.{{Cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/games/20050505/BOSIND/recap.html |title=Walker, Celtics Force Game 7 |website=NBA.com |access-date=2008-09-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090116015026/http://www.nba.com/games/20050505/BOSIND/recap.html |archive-date=2009-01-16 |url-status=dead }}

Image:Kendrick Perkins dunk.jpg of the Washington Wizards]]

After marked improvements during summer training and practice, Perkins earned more playing time from coach Doc Rivers during the 2005–06 season. He played some of the best games of his career in 2006, repeatedly reaching double figures in points and rebounds. After the trade of Mark Blount to the Minnesota Timberwolves, Perkins became the undisputed starting center for the Celtics, although he was already sharing starting time before Blount's departure. He started at center for the 2008 NBA champion Boston Celtics.

In Game 6 of the 2010 NBA Finals, Perkins injured his knee and missed the rest of the game. He was inactive for Game 7, in which the Celtics fell to the Los Angeles Lakers. According to the Los Angeles Times, he suffered torn MCL and PCL ligaments in his right knee.

Perkins did not return to the floor until January 25, 2011, when he logged 17 minutes off of the bench netting seven points, six rebounds and three assists in a win against the Cleveland Cavaliers. He received a standing ovation upon entering the game in the first quarter. After coming off the bench for his first 5 games back, Perkins returned to the starting line-up Friday, February 4 in a home loss to the Dallas Mavericks. He logged his first double-double of the season with 13 points, 12 rebounds and one blocked shot while shooting 6-for-7 from the field in 33 minutes.

=Oklahoma City Thunder (2011–2015)=

== 2010–11 season ==

On February 24, 2011, Perkins and Nate Robinson were traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder for Jeff Green and Nenad Krstić. On March 1, he signed a multi-year extension with the Thunder.[http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/thunder/2011-03-01-perkins-contract_N.htm Thunder sign newcomer Kendrick Perkins to extension] Perkins suffered a left knee sprain injury, which prevented him from debuting with the Thunder until March 14, 2011.{{cite web|title=Thunder's Kendrick Perkins to miss 2-3 weeks with knee injury|url=https://oklahoman.com/article/3544358/thunders-kendrick-perkins-to-miss-2-3-weeks-with-knee-injury?|website=oklahoman.com|access-date=July 11, 2020|date=February 26, 2011}} On March 14, 2011, Perkins debuted with the Oklahoma City Thunder, recording six points, nine rebounds, and two assists during 20 minutes of play in a 116–89 win against the Washington Wizards.{{cite web|title=Kevin Durant springs for 32, Kendrick Perkins debuts as Thunder wallop Wizards|url=https://www.espn.co.uk/nba/recap?gameId=310314027|website=ESPN.com|access-date=July 11, 2020|date=March 14, 2011}} On March 20, 2011, Perkins recorded a season-high four assists, along with five points, 12 rebounds, and a steal, in a 95–93 loss to the Toronto Raptors.{{cite web|title=Stats - TOR vs OKC|url=https://stats.nba.com/game/0021001041/|website=NBA.com|access-date=July 11, 2020|date=March 20, 2011|archive-date=July 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200712210312/https://stats.nba.com/game/0021001041/|url-status=dead}} On March 25, 2011, Perkins recorded 13 points, five rebounds, three steals, and one block while going 6 for 6 from the field in a 111–103 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves.{{cite web|title=Stats - MIN vs OKC|url=https://stats.nba.com/game/0021001075/?sort=PTS&dir=1|website=NBA.com|access-date=July 11, 2020|date=March 25, 2011|archive-date=July 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200715101400/https://stats.nba.com/game/0021001075/?sort=PTS&dir=1|url-status=dead}} On March 30, 2011, Perkins scored 13 points again, along with three rebounds, one assist, one steal, and one block in a 116–98 win over the Phoenix Suns.{{cite web|title=Thunder set franchise mark, get 50th win of season|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=310330021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191106172627/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=310330021|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 6, 2019|website=ESPN.com|access-date=July 11, 2020|date=March 30, 2011}} On April 6, 2011, Perkins grabbed a season-high 17 rebounds, while getting five points and one block in a 112–108 win over the Los Angeles Clippers. 10 of his 17 rebounds were offensive boards. According to ESPN, after grabbing 17 rebounds, Perkins said, "We've got goals at hand. When you have bigger goals, you tend to reach smaller goals. I guess that was a good thing to see the guys not comfortable. Our guys want to go a little further than just being division champs."{{cite web|title=Kevin Durant scores 29 points to lead Thunder past Clippers|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=310406025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200717024410/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=310406025|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 17, 2020|website=ESPN.com|access-date=July 11, 2020|date=April 6, 2011}}

The Thunder finished the season with 55 wins, clinching the fourth seed in the Western Conference. They went on versus the Denver Nuggets in the First Round of the 2011 NBA playoffs. On April 17, 2011, during Game 1 of the First Round, Perkins got four points, five rebounds, and one block in a 107–103 win against the Denver Nuggets.{{cite web|title=Stats - DEN vs OKC|url=https://stats.nba.com/game/0041000171/|website=NBA.com|access-date=July 11, 2020|date=April 17, 2011|archive-date=July 14, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200714224319/https://stats.nba.com/game/0041000171/|url-status=dead}} With just over a minute to go, Perkins scored a bucket to help the Thunder take the lead. This was later figured out as an offensive goaltending call.{{cite web|title=NBA: Kendrick Perkins goaltended|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/playoffs/2011/news/story?id=6384356|website=ESPN.com|access-date=July 11, 2020|date=April 17, 2011}} On April 27, 2011, Perkins got a near double-double, getting 13 points, nine rebounds and one assist during Game 5 of the First Round in a 100–97 win over the Denver Nuggets.{{cite web|title=Stats - DEN vs OKC|url=https://stats.nba.com/game/0041000175/|website=NBA.com|access-date=July 11, 2020|date=April 27, 2011|archive-date=July 14, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200714045058/https://stats.nba.com/game/0041000175/|url-status=dead}} On May 7, 2011, during Game 3 of the Western Conference Semifinals, Perkins grabbed 13 rebounds, while also getting six points, one assist, and one steal in a 101–93 overtime loss against the Memphis Grizzlies. He helped the Thunder get to the Western Conference Finals, but the team got eliminated in five games against the Dallas Mavericks. Perkins averaged 4.5 points, 6.1 rebounds and 0.8 blocks per game in the playoffs.

== 2011–12 season ==

The 2011–12 NBA season was shortened due to the collective bargaining agreement resulting in a lockout. During the 2011 NBA lockout, Perkins lost more than 30 pounds. On December 25, 2011, Perkins started the lockout-shortened season getting six points, four rebounds, one assist, and one block while also going 2 of 2 from the field in a 97–89 win against the Orlando Magic.{{cite web|title=Thunder hold Dwight Howard to 11 points in win over Magic|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=311225025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200712205219/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=311225025|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 12, 2020|website=ESPN.com|access-date=July 11, 2020|date=December 25, 2011}} Perkins made it on the 2012 NBA All-Star ballot, placing 6th out of the centers in the Western Conference. He got 66,380 votes.{{cite web|title=2012 NBA All-Star balloting second returns announced|url=https://pr.nba.com/2012-nba-all-star-balloting-second-returns/|website=NBA.com|access-date=July 11, 2020|date=January 19, 2012}} On February 10, 2012, Perkins got his first double-double of the season, getting 10 points, 10 rebounds, two assists, and one block in a 101–87 win against the Utah Jazz.{{cite web|title=Stats - OKC vs UTA|url=https://stats.nba.com/game/0021100399/|website=NBA.com|access-date=July 11, 2020|date=February 10, 2012|archive-date=July 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200712205229/https://stats.nba.com/game/0021100399/|url-status=dead}} On February 14, 2012, Perkins tied his career high with six assists, as well as getting seven rebounds, one steal, one block, and one point in a 111–85 win against the Utah Jazz.{{cite web|title=Stats - UTA vs OKC|url=https://stats.nba.com/game/0021100425/|website=NBA.com|access-date=July 11, 2020|date=February 14, 2012|archive-date=July 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200712205008/https://stats.nba.com/game/0021100425/|url-status=dead}}

On February 20, 2012, Perkins got five points, 13 rebounds, three assists, and a season-high six blocks in a 101–93 win against the New Orleans Hornets.{{cite web|title=Stats - NOP vs OKC|url=https://stats.nba.com/game/0021100475/|website=NBA.com|access-date=July 11, 2020|date=February 20, 2012|archive-date=July 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200713041734/https://stats.nba.com/game/0021100475/|url-status=dead}} On March 5, 2012, Perkins grabbed a season-high 14 rebounds, while also getting seven points, one assist, one steal, and one block in a 95–91 win against the Dallas Mavericks.{{cite web|title=Thunder rally past Mavericks for 13th straight win at home|url=http://insider.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=320305025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200712205008/http://insider.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=320305025|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 12, 2020|website=ESPN.com|access-date=July 11, 2020|date=March 5, 2012}} On March 18, 2012, Perkins got six points, six rebounds, two assists, two blocks, and a career-high tying three steals in a 111–95 win against the Portland Trail Blazers.{{cite web|title=Stats - POR vs OKC|url=https://stats.nba.com/game/0021100668/|website=NBA.com|access-date=July 11, 2020|date=March 18, 2012|archive-date=July 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200712205010/https://stats.nba.com/game/0021100668/|url-status=dead}} On March 25, 2012, Perkins scored a season-high 16 points, while also getting six rebounds, two assists, and one steal in a 103–87 win against the Miami Heat.{{cite web|title=Kevin Durant leads Thunder to big victory over Heat|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=320325025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200713051455/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=320325025|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 13, 2020|website=ESPN.com|access-date=July 11, 2020|date=March 25, 2012}} On April 13, 2012, Perkins got his second double-double of the season, getting 11 points and 11 rebounds in a 115–89 win over the Sacramento Kings.{{cite web|title=Kevin Durant, Thunder have no trouble beating Kings|url=http://insider.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=320413025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200713051748/http://insider.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=320413025|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 13, 2020|website=ESPN.com|access-date=July 11, 2020|date=April 13, 2012}}

The Thunder finished the season with 47 wins, first in the Northwest Division, and the 2nd seed in the West. To start the 2012 NBA Playoffs, they faced the Dallas Mavericks in the First Round. During Game 2 of the First Round, Perkins scored 13 points, six rebounds, and a block in a 102–99 win against the Mavericks.{{cite web|title=Russell Westbrook's 29 points help Thunder eke out another win over Mavericks|url=http://insider.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=320430025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200712205056/http://insider.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=320430025|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 12, 2020|website=ESPN.com|access-date=July 11, 2020|date=April 30, 2012}} The team ended up sweeping the Mavericks in four games. They then played the Los Angeles Lakers in the Conference Semifinals. On May 18, 2012, during Game 3 of the Conference Semifinals, Perkins had six points, two rebounds, one assist, one steal, and four blocks in a 99–96 loss against the Lakers.{{cite web|title=Kobe, Lakers rebound with comeback win vs. Thunder in Game 3|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=320518013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160805123148/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=320518013|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 5, 2016|website=ESPN.com|access-date=July 11, 2020|date=May 18, 2012}} The Thunder ended up defeating the Lakers in five games. They moved on to the Conference Finals where they faced the San Antonio Spurs. On June 2, 2012, during Game 4 of the Conference Finals, Perkins scored 15 points, while getting nine rebounds, one assist, and one block in a 109–103 win against the Spurs.{{cite web|title=Oklahoma City Thunder power past San Antonio Spurs 109-103|url=https://www.thestar.com/sports/basketball/2012/06/02/oklahoma_city_thunder_power_past_san_antonio_spurs_109103.html|website=thestar.com|access-date=July 11, 2020|date=June 2, 2012}} The team defeated the Spurs in six games. Perkins and the Thunder reached the NBA Finals where they played the Big 3–led Miami Heat. On June 17, 2012, during Game 3 of the NBA Finals, Perkins got his first and only double-double of the playoffs, getting 10 points, 12 rebounds, and a block in a 91–85 loss against the Heat.{{cite web|title=Stats - OKC vs MIA|url=https://stats.nba.com/game/0041100403/|access-date=July 11, 2020|date=June 17, 2012|archive-date=July 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200713051455/https://stats.nba.com/game/0041100403/|url-status=dead}} The Thunder couldn't get past the Heat, as they were eliminated in five games. This was Perkins's third trip to the NBA Finals. The other two trips were with the Boston Celtics back in 2008 and 2010. Perkins averaged 4.7 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game in the playoffs.

== 2012–13 season ==

Perkins began the 2012–13 NBA season getting two points, six rebounds, two assists, and a block in an 86–84 loss against the Spurs.{{cite web|title=Tony Parker, Spurs top Thunder at buzzer|url=https://www.sbnation.com/nba/2012/11/1/3585230/nba-schedule-scores-2012-spurs-thunder|access-date=July 12, 2020|date=November 1, 2012}} On November 9, 2012, Perkins dished a career-high tying six assists, and also had nine points, four rebounds, and a steal in a 105–94 win against the Detroit Pistons.{{cite web|title=Stats - DET vs OKC|url=https://stats.nba.com/game/0021200075/|access-date=July 12, 2020|date=November 9, 2012|archive-date=July 14, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200714005741/https://stats.nba.com/game/0021200075/|url-status=dead}} On February 8, 2013, Perkins scored a season-high 17 points, along with nine rebounds, three assists, two steals and three blocks in a 127–96 win against the Phoenix Suns. According to The Oklahoman, Perkins said this in response to his performance: "I'm just going to keep working. Guys are doubling Kevin (Durant) and Russ now, so I'm just trying to find the open spot. I've been watching a lot of film and going to the gym and working on my game. I'm just trying to find an open spot when they get doubled."{{cite web|title=Oklahoma City Thunder: Kendrick Perkins, OKC's defensive anchor, shows he can score|url=https://oklahoman.com/article/3753624/oklahoma-city-thunder-kendrick-perkins-okcs-defensive-anchor-shows-he-can-score|access-date=July 12, 2020|date=February 8, 2013}} On February 10, 2013, Perkins had a career-high tying three steals, as well as four rebounds, two assists, and three blocks in a 97–69 win against the Suns.{{cite web|title=Stats - OKC vs PHX|url=https://stats.nba.com/game/0021200759/|access-date=July 12, 2020|date=November 10, 2013|archive-date=July 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200713190146/https://stats.nba.com/game/0021200759/|url-status=dead}} On March 20, 2013, Perkins grabbed a season-high 15 rebounds, and also had an assist in a 90–89 overtime loss against the Memphis Grizzlies.{{cite web|title=Marc Gasol tip-in pushes Grizzlies by Thunder in OT|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400278732|access-date=July 12, 2020|date=March 20, 2013}}

In the 2013 NBA playoffs, the Thunder defeated the Houston Rockets in the First Round, but were defeated by the Grizzlies in the Conference Semifinals. During Game 1 of the Conference Semifinals, Perkins had seven rebounds and three assists in a 93–91 win.{{cite web|title=Kevin Durant, Thunder knock off Grizzlies in Game 1|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400464192|access-date=July 12, 2020|date=May 5, 2013}} Perkins averaged 2.2 points and 3.7 rebounds per game in the playoffs.

== 2013–14 season ==

To start the 2013–14 NBA season, Perkins had four points, eight rebounds, one assist and one steal in a 101–98 win against the Utah Jazz.{{cite web|title=Regular Season Recap: Thunder at Jazz|website=NBA.com |url=https://www.nba.com/thunder/features/recap_jazz_131030/|access-date=July 12, 2020|date=October 30, 2013}} On December 13, 2013, Perkins dished a season-high four assists, and also had six points and three rebounds in a 122–97 win against the Lakers.{{cite web|title=OKC Thunder notebook: Kendrick Perkins explains his national anthem absence|url=https://oklahoman.com/article/3914435/okc-thunder-notebook-kendrick-perkins-explains-his-national-anthem-absence/amp|access-date=July 12, 2020|date=December 13, 2013}} On January 5, 2014, Perkins scored a season-high 12 points, and also had six rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block in a 119–96 win against his former team, the Boston Celtics.{{cite web|title=Oklahoma City Thunder: Kendrick Perkins still gets fired up to play his old team the Boston Celtics|url=https://oklahoman.com/article/3921059/oklahoma-city-thunder-kendrick-perkins-still-gets-fired-up-to-play-his-old-team-the-boston-celtics|access-date=July 12, 2020|date=January 5, 2014}} On January 17, 2014, Perkins grabbed a season-high 12 rebounds, and also had six points, two assists and two steals in a 127–121 win against the Golden State Warriors.{{cite web|title=Stats - GSW vs OKC|url=https://stats.nba.com/game/0021300592/|access-date=July 12, 2020|date=January 17, 2014|archive-date=July 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200713223405/https://stats.nba.com/game/0021300592/|url-status=dead}} On February 5, 2014, Perkins tied his season-high, getting 12 rebounds, six points, two assists, and one steal in a 106–97 win against the Minnesota Timberwolves.{{cite web|title=Stats - MIN vs OKC|url=https://stats.nba.com/game/0021300732/|access-date=July 12, 2020|date=February 5, 2014|archive-date=July 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200715221734/https://stats.nba.com/game/0021300732/|url-status=dead}}

In the 2014 NBA playoffs, the Thunder defeated the Grizzlies in the First Round, then the Clippers in the Conference Semifinals, but got eliminated by the Spurs in the Conference Finals. During Game 2 of the Conference Semifinals, Perkins had eight points and nine rebounds in a 112–101 win.{{cite web|title=Stats - LAC vs OKC|url=https://stats.nba.com/game/0041300232/|access-date=July 12, 2020|date=May 7, 2014|archive-date=July 14, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200714135846/https://stats.nba.com/game/0041300232/|url-status=dead}} During Game 4 of the Conference Finals, Perkins had 10 rebounds, two points, two blocks, and one steal in a 105–92 win.{{cite web|title=Russell Westbrook scores 40 as Thunder knot up series with Spurs|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400558957|access-date=July 12, 2020|date=May 27, 2014}} Perkins averaged 3.2 points and 5.4 rebounds throughout the playoffs.

== 2014–15 season ==

During the 2014–15 NBA season, Perkins was playing bench minutes, as Steven Adams replaced him.{{cite web|title=OKC's Kendrick Perkins on playing time: 'Ain't gonna lie, I'm nervous'|url=https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/okcs-kendrick-perkins-on-playing-time-aint-gonna-lie-im-nervous/|access-date=July 12, 2020|date=October 28, 2014}} During the season opener, Perkins had four points, eight rebounds, one steal and one block in a 106–89 loss against the Portland Trail Blazers.{{cite web|title=Stats - OKC vs POR|url=https://stats.nba.com/game/0021400015/|access-date=July 12, 2020|date=October 29, 2014|archive-date=July 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200715164105/https://stats.nba.com/game/0021400015/|url-status=dead}} On November 1, 2014, Perkins scored a season-high 17 points, while also getting five rebounds in a 102–91 win against the Denver Nuggets.{{cite web|title=OKC Thunder: Kendrick Perkins' brief offensive explosion highlights wild Thunder win|url=https://oklahoman.com/article/5362935/okc-thunder-kendrick-perkins-brief-offensive-explosion-highlights-wild-thunder-win|access-date=July 12, 2020|date=November 1, 2014}} On December 14, 2014, Perkins grabbed a season-high 10 rebounds, as well as five points, one assist, one steal, and one block in a 112–88 win against the Phoenix Suns.{{cite web|title=Russell Westbrook, Kevin Durant key win over Suns as OKC extends run|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400578644|access-date=July 12, 2020|date=November 1, 2014}}

On February 19, 2015, Perkins was traded to the Utah Jazz in a three-team trade that also involved the Detroit Pistons.{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/jazz/news/jazz-acquire-three-players-and-two-future-draft-picks-three-team-trade|title=Utah sends Kanter and Novak to Oklahoma City; Detroit also part of deal|work=NBA.com|date=February 19, 2015|access-date=February 19, 2015}} He was subsequently waived by the Jazz two days later.{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/jazz/news/jazz-waive-perkins|title=Jazz Waive Perkins|work=NBA.com|date=February 21, 2015|access-date=February 21, 2015}}

=Cleveland Cavaliers (2015)=

On February 24, 2015, Perkins signed with the Cleveland Cavaliers{{cite press release|title=Cavs Sign Kendrick Perkins|date=February 25, 2015|work=NBA.com|url=http://www.nba.com/cavaliers/releases/perkins-signing-150224|access-date=February 25, 2015}} and made his debut later that day as he scored two points in two minutes off the bench in a 102–93 win over the Detroit Pistons.{{Cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/games/20150224/CLEDET/gameinfo.html |title=Love hits 8 3-pointers, Cavaliers beat Pistons 102-93 |website=NBA.com |access-date=2015-02-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150226025510/http://www.nba.com/games/20150224/CLEDET/gameinfo.html |archive-date=2015-02-26 |url-status=dead }} The Cavaliers made it to the 2015 NBA Finals, but they lost to the Golden State Warriors in six games.

=New Orleans Pelicans (2015–2016)=

On July 28, 2015, Perkins signed with the New Orleans Pelicans.{{cite news|title=Pelicans Sign Kendrick Perkins|url=http://www.nba.com/pelicans/news/pelicans-sign-kendrick-perkins|access-date=July 28, 2015|work=NBA.com|date=July 28, 2015}} He made his debut for the Pelicans in the team's season opening loss to the Golden State Warriors on October 27. In just under 16 minutes of action as a starter, he recorded 10 points on 5-of-5 shooting and 4 rebounds.{{cite news|title=NBA MVP Curry scores 40 points, Warriors win opener|url=http://www.nba.com/games/20151027/NOPGSW/gameinfo.html|access-date=October 27, 2015|work=NBA.com|date=October 27, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151225100230/http://www.nba.com/games/20151027/NOPGSW/gameinfo.html|archive-date=December 25, 2015|url-status=dead}} On November 6, he was ruled out for three months with a right pectoral injury.[https://sports.yahoo.com/news/sources--pelicans--kendrick-perkins-to-miss-three-months-with-pectoral-tear-025327678.html Sources: Pelicans’ Kendrick Perkins to miss three months with pectoral injury] He returned to the Pelicans' line-up on December 11, but did not play against the Washington Wizards.[https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/14345872/kendrick-perkins-new-orleans-pelicans-returns-month-pectoral-injury Kendrick Perkins returns to Pelicans' lineup]

=Canton Charge (2017–2018)=

On September 25, 2017, Perkins signed with the Cleveland Cavaliers, returning to the franchise for a second stint.{{cite web|last=Fedor|first=Chris|url=http://www.cleveland.com/cavs/index.ssf/2017/09/cleveland_cavaliers_announce_t_3.html|title=Cleveland Cavaliers announce 2017 training camp roster, bring 19 players|work=Cleveland.com|date=September 25, 2017|access-date=September 25, 2017}} On October 14, 2017, he was waived by the Cavaliers after appearing in three preseason games.{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/cavaliers/releases/waive-perkins-hamilton-171014|title=Cavaliers Waive Kendrick Perkins and Isaac Hamilton|work=NBA.com|date=October 14, 2017|access-date=October 14, 2017}} He subsequently joined the Cleveland's NBA G League affiliate, the Canton Charge.{{Cite web |last=Wojnarowski |first=Adrian |author-link=Adrian Wojnarowski |date=October 16, 2017 |title=Sources: Free-agent center Kendrick Perkins to join Cavaliers' G League team |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/21043758/free-agent-center-kendrick-perkins-agrees-join-cavaliers-g-league-team |access-date=April 11, 2018 |website=ESPN.com}} On February 9, 2018, he opted to retire from the NBA G League.{{cite web|url=http://canton.gleague.nba.com/news/charge-announce-roster-moves/|title=Charge Announce Roster Moves|work=NBA.com|date=February 9, 2018|access-date=April 11, 2018|archive-date=February 15, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180215212422/http://canton.gleague.nba.com/news/charge-announce-roster-moves/|url-status=dead}}

= Return to Cleveland (2018) =

On April 11, 2018, Perkins returned to the Cavaliers, signing a contract for the remainder of the season.{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/cavaliers/releases/perkins-signing-180411|title=Cavaliers Sign Kendrick Perkins for the Remainder of the Season|work=NBA.com|date=April 11, 2018|access-date=April 11, 2018}} That same day ended up being Perkins' first and only game that he played for Cleveland during his second stint with the team, as Cleveland would lose 98–110 to the New York Knicks with Perkins recording 3 points, 2 assists, 1 rebound and 1 steal.

The Cavaliers made it to the 2018 NBA Finals, where they lost 4–0 to the Golden State Warriors, but Perkins did not play during the postseason. Perkins was waived by the Cavaliers on July 17, 2018.{{cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/cavaliers/releases/waive-perkins-180717|title=Cavaliers Waive Kendrick Perkins|work=NBA.com|date=July 17, 2018|access-date=July 17, 2018}}

Broadcasting career

Following his retirement, Perkins became an on-air sports commentator and analyst for ESPN and NBC Sports Boston including on ESPN television sports talk shows NBA Today, Get Up, First Take, and SportsCenter.{{cite web |last1=Finn |first1=Chad |title=Ex-Celtic Kendrick Perkins fast becoming star NBA analyst – now for ESPN only |url=https://www.boston.com/sports/boston-celtics/2019/10/08/ex-celtic-kendrick-perkins-fast-becoming-star-nba-analyst-now-for-espn-only |website=boston.com |access-date=January 24, 2020 |date=October 8, 2019}} He received criticism for statements made relating to race and the MVP candidacy of Serbian NBA player Nikola Jokić.{{Cite web |last=Crispin |first=Gerard |date=2023-03-08 |title=Charles Barkley slams Kendrick Perkins for 'crossing the line' with racial bias comments involving Nikola Jokic |url=https://firstsportz.com/nba-news-charles-barkley-slams-kendrick-perkins-for-crossing-the-line-with-racial-bias-comments-involving-nikola-jokic/ |access-date=2023-07-23 |website=FirstSportz |language=en-US}}

NBA career statistics

=Regular season=

| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2003}}

| style="text-align:left;"|Boston

| 10 || 0 || 3.5 || .533 || .000 || .667 || 1.4 || .3 || .0 || .2 || 2.2

| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2004}}

| style="text-align:left;"|Boston

| 60 || 3 || 9.1 || .471 || .000 || .638 || 2.9 || .4 || .2 || .6 || 2.5

| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2005}}

| style="text-align:left;"|Boston

| 68 || 40 || 19.6 || .515 || .000 || .615 || 5.9 || 1.0 || .3 || 1.5 || 5.2

| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2006}}

| style="text-align:left;"|Boston

| 72 || 53 || 21.9 || .491 || .000 || .600 || 5.2 || 1.3 || .3 || 1.3 || 4.5

| style="text-align:left; background:#afe6ba;"|{{nbay|2007}}†

| style="text-align:left;"|Boston

| 78 || 78 || 24.5 || .615 || .000 || .623 || 6.1 || 1.1 || .4 || 1.5 || 6.9

| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2008}}

| style="text-align:left;"|Boston

| 76 || 76 || 29.6 || .577 || .000 || .600 || 8.1 || 1.3 || .3 || 2.0 || 8.5

| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2009}}

| style="text-align:left;"|Boston

|| 78 || 78 || 27.6 || .602 || .000 || .582 || 7.6 || 1.0 || .3 || 1.7 || 10.1

| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2010}}

| style="text-align:left;"|Boston

| 12 || 7 || 26.1 || .542 || .000 || .575 || 8.1 || .8 || .2 || .8 || 7.3

| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2010}}

| style="text-align:left;"|Oklahoma City

| 17 || 17 || 25.2 || .493 || .000 || .531 || 7.9 || .9 || .4 || .9 || 5.1

| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2011}}

| style="text-align:left;"|Oklahoma City

| 65 || 65 || 26.8 || .489 || .000 || .652 || 6.6 || 1.2 || .4 || 1.1 || 5.0

| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2012}}

| style="text-align:left;"|Oklahoma City

| 78 || 78 || 25.1 || .457 || .000 || .611 || 6.0 || 1.4 || .6 || 1.1 || 4.2

| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2013}}

| style="text-align:left;"|Oklahoma City

| 62 || 62 || 19.5 || .451 || .000 || .552 || 4.9 || 1.1 || .4 || .5 || 3.4

| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2014}}

| style="text-align:left;"|Oklahoma City

| 51 || 3 || 19.2 || .441 || .000 || .507 || 5.5 || .8 || .3 || .7 || 4.0

| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2014}}

| style="text-align:left;"|Cleveland

| 17 || 0 || 9.8 || .488 || .000 || .500 || 2.4 || .5 || .1 || .2 || 2.6

| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2015}}

| style="text-align:left;"|New Orleans

| 37 || 5 || 14.6 || .533 || .000 || .440 || 3.5 || .8 || .3 || .3 || 2.5

| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2017}}

| style="text-align:left;"|Cleveland

| 1 || 0 || 15.0 || .500 || .000 || .500 || 1.0 || 2.0 || 1.0 || .0 || 3.0

|- class="sortbottom"

| style="text-align:center;" colspan="2"|Career

| 782 || 565 || 21.9 || .530 || .000 || .594 || 5.8 || 1.0 || .3 || 1.2 || 5.4

=Playoffs=

| style="text-align:left;"|2005

| style="text-align:left;"|Boston

| 6 || 0 || 4.7 || .800 || .000 || .333 || 1.0 || .0 || .0 || .5 || 1.5

| style="text-align:left; background:#afe6ba;"|2008†

| style="text-align:left;"|Boston

| 25 || 25 || 25.2 || .585 || .000 || .678 || 6.1 || .5 || .6 || 1.3 || 6.6

| style="text-align:left;"|2009

| style="text-align:left;"|Boston

| 14 || 14 || 36.6 || .575 || .000 || .667 || 11.0 || 1.4 || .4 || 2.6 || 11.9

| style="text-align:left;"|2010

| style="text-align:left;"|Boston

| 23 || 23 || 25.0 || .510 || .000 || .600 || 6.2 || 1.0 || .4 || 1.4 || 5.7

| style="text-align:left;"|2011

| style="text-align:left;"|Oklahoma City

| 17 || 17 || 28.2 || .453 || .000 || .576 || 6.1 || .8 || .2 || .8 || 4.5

| style="text-align:left;"|2012

| style="text-align:left;"|Oklahoma City

| 20 || 20 || 25.9 || .416 || .000 || .800 || 6.2 || .7 || .4 || 1.3 || 4.7

| style="text-align:left;"|2013

| style="text-align:left;"|Oklahoma City

| 11 || 11 || 19.1 || .270 || .000 || 1.000 || 3.7 || .6 || .7 || .5 || 2.2

| style="text-align:left;"|2014

| style="text-align:left;"|Oklahoma City

| 19 || 19 || 20.2 || .533 || .000 || .800 || 5.4 || .7 || .2 || .3 || 3.2

| style="text-align:left;"|2015

| style="text-align:left;"|Cleveland

| 8 || 0 || 4.1 || .250 || .000 || .600 || 1.1 || .0 || .0 || .4 || 1.3

|- class="sortbottom"

| style="text-align:center;" colspan="2"|Career

| 143 || 129 || 23.6 || .502 || .000 || .662 || 5.9 || .7 || .4 || 1.1 || 5.1

Personal life

Perkins is a practicing Catholic.[http://dailythunder.com/2011/02/getting-to-know-kendrick-perkins/ Getting to know Kendrick Perkins] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150218121741/http://dailythunder.com/2011/02/getting-to-know-kendrick-perkins/ |date=2015-02-18 }} He was an altar boy in his youth, although it was often problematic to find a cassock to fit him due to his height. His son was born on September 10, 2007.{{cite news|url=http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/extras/celtics_blog/2007/09/perkins_becomes.html|title=Perkins is a dad|work=boston.com|date=September 11, 2007|access-date=May 3, 2013}} On July 25, 2009, Perkins married his longtime girlfriend, Vanity Alpough.{{Cite web|date=2013-11-06|title=Vanity Alpough Perkins is NBA Player Kendrick Perkins' Wife|url=https://fabathletes.com/basketball/vanity-alpough-perkins-nba-player-kendrick-perkins-wife/|access-date=2020-09-11|website=FABATHLETES.COM|language=en-US}} His second son was born on October 10, 2011. His twin son and daughter were born on October 20, 2015.

Perkins' cousin, Ethan Rusbatch, is a New Zealander who plays in the New Zealand NBL.[http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/80113008/furniture-mover-to-tall-blacks-for-canterburys-ethan-rusbatch Furniture mover to Tall Blacks for Canterbury's Ethan Rusbatch]

On October 10, 2013, Perkins posted a $1,000 bond on a misdemeanor assault charge. He allegedly punched a man and a woman after a dispute following a traffic collision.{{cite web | last=Young | first=Royce | title=Perkins facing assault charges for allegedly punching a woman | website=CBSSports.com | date=2013-10-10 | url=https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/perkins-facing-assault-charges-for-allegedly-punching-a-woman/amp/ | access-date=2025-01-24}}

References

External links

[https://www.usatoday.com/story/gameon/2012/11/01/kendrick-perkins-scott-brooks-thunder-spurs/1676453/ USA Today: Kendrick Perkins learns basketball from Scott Brooks]
{{IMDb name|3942987}}

Category:1984 births

Category:Living people

Category:21st-century American journalists

Category:African-American Catholics

Category:African-American sports journalists

Category:African-American television personalities

Category:American men's basketball players

Category:Basketball players from Texas

Category:Boston Celtics players

Category:Canton Charge players

Category:Catholics from Texas

Category:Centers (basketball)