Though the league has transformed into a fast-paced, shoot it out type of game there have still been plenty of old-school tough guys that have come through this generation. In a game that many say now lacks defense and toughness, center Kendrick Perkins embodies that hard-nosed play style.
During his 13 year NBA career, Perkins has been one of the few centers willing to take on all the dirty work and focus on establishing an intimidating presence in the lane. Now after being out of the NBA for more than a year, Perkins is eyeing an NBA return starting with a training camp invite according to Gary Washburn of The Boston Globe:
Kendrick Perkins wants back in the NBA. He is not retired. He is not done.
The former Celtics big man has been working feverishly on his conditioning over the past several months and is looking for a training camp invite at age 32.
Though 32 isn’t typical retirement age for the NBA, it is when most players see their careers begin to dwindle down. However, with Perkins’ play style, he wouldn’t need elite athleticism, which he’s never had, to make an impact.
Perkins last saw NBA action in a limited role with the New Orleans Pelicans in 2015-16. Perkins played for a total of five teams over the span of his NBA tenure, most notably serving as the starting center for championship-caliber teams such as the Oklahoma City Thunder and Boston Celtics.
If he were to get serious consideration from any NBA front office, it’d likely be a contending team needing one more defensive big to deploy off the bench.
