Tuesday, April 20th, 2010 at 2:47 pm  |  2 responses

SLAM Q + A: Kendrick Perkins

His game isn’t perfect, but Perk has a desire to improve.

by Randy Zellea

Kendrick Perkins is having a career season. While averaging 10.1 ppg and 7.6 rpg, he finished second in the NBA in field goal percentage at 60.2 percent. Even with one ring, Kendrick still wants more.

SLAM recently sat down with the Celtics starting center before the Celtics played the Knicks. Kendrick spoke openly about his game and the Celtics mentality heading into the Playoffs.

SLAM: What have you worked on to improve your game from last season?
Kendrick Perkins: I just worked on my blind work. I came in this summer and worked hard on my post moves. I think as you get older, you become wiser, and with that in mind, the game became a lot easier to me. I was able to pick up on things from some of the veterans like Kevin, Rasheed and Paul. I wonder where I would be without them leading the way for me.

SLAM: It seemed like the team struggled around All-StKendrick Perkinsar break. What has changed to improve since the rough spot?
KP: We are just trying to compete hard. It is getting closer to Playoff time and guys become more focused. It has not been an easy season at times, but the key is to keep playing hard and to keep fighting.

SLAM: Do you feel this team has a target on your back after winning a championship two seasons ago?
KP: Yes and no. That was two years ago. Maybe last year they did, but this season I don’t think anyone really placed a target on our back. I don’t really feel anyone has picked us to win this. I think it is a great thing to have the ability to come in and surprise people and be the underdog.

SLAM: Do you feel this team likes being the underdog?
KP: For sure. I love the idea of being able to sneak up on people. Because a lot of people do not realize you always work a little harder when you are the underdog. People expect less and you give them more. It’s such a great process.

SLAM: What do you have to improve on during the off-season?
KP: I have to improve my jump shot and my foot speed. The key is to improve on one thing at a time. I feel I am slowly getting to where I want to be. The most important thing in my game is consistency. I really just want to help the team win and get back to where we were two years ago.

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  • LA Huey Posted: Apr.20 at 4:03 pm
    @Randy, did he do the interview with his “you-killed-my-family-you-dirty-mother-f***er” glare that he wears so well?

  • MikeC. Posted: Apr.20 at 11:30 pm
    ^ I call that look the “I eat beer bottles for breakfast” look.

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