The most well-known Boston Celtics at this point are The Big Three (and Rondo): Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, and Rajon Rondo. But what about their former big man, Kendrick Perkins, who is moving to Oklahoma City? And with newcomer Troy Murphy, how is this going to change Boston’s lineup?
Perkins recently agreed to a four-year extension with the Oklahoma City Thunder at $34.8 million, whereas Boston considered him for about $22 million, also for four years. Kevin Durant will surely appreciate Perkin’s huge defense, so on the whole, this was a smart move by GM Sam Presti.
But what about the Boston Celtics, who are now sitting pretty atop the Eastern Conference? General manager Danny Ainge might be a little nervous, because Perkin’s power in the middle is undeniable. Troy Murphy helps, certainly, but it’s questionable as to how much.
Murphy recently opted for Boston over Miami (who also seems to be in need of a big man) after a buyout from Golden State. Murphy is 6'10 and is likely to add frontcourt help, but his numbers have dipped this season compared to last.
Can Murphy, this late in the season and with no playoff experience, hold up to how well Perkins has held up in the past years, especially against the likes of Dwight Howard, Andrew Bynum, Nene, and Joakim Noah? Hard to say at this point, but you can be sure that Ainge is hoping so.
Perkins recently agreed to a four-year extension with the Oklahoma City Thunder at $34.8 million, whereas Boston considered him for about $22 million, also for four years. Kevin Durant will surely appreciate Perkin’s huge defense, so on the whole, this was a smart move by GM Sam Presti.
But what about the Boston Celtics, who are now sitting pretty atop the Eastern Conference? General manager Danny Ainge might be a little nervous, because Perkin’s power in the middle is undeniable. Troy Murphy helps, certainly, but it’s questionable as to how much.
Murphy recently opted for Boston over Miami (who also seems to be in need of a big man) after a buyout from Golden State. Murphy is 6'10 and is likely to add frontcourt help, but his numbers have dipped this season compared to last.
Can Murphy, this late in the season and with no playoff experience, hold up to how well Perkins has held up in the past years, especially against the likes of Dwight Howard, Andrew Bynum, Nene, and Joakim Noah? Hard to say at this point, but you can be sure that Ainge is hoping so.
