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Kendrick Perkins’ 2008 NBA Title And Post-Retirement Career

Learn about Kendrick Perkins’ NBA career, his 2008 championship win with the Celtics, and how he transitioned to a bold and popular sports analyst post-retirement.

Kendrick Perkins’ 2008 NBA Title And Post-Retirement Career

Gabriel Martinez

Sep 22, 2024

Who is Kendrick Perkins?

Kendrick Perkins is a former NBA player and current sports analyst. Born on November 10, 1984, in Nederland, Texas, he entered the NBA straight out of high school after being a top-ranked prospect. Perkins was selected 27th overall in the 2003 NBA Draft by the Memphis Grizzlies but was quickly traded to the Boston Celtics. He gained a reputation as a tough, defensive player, contributing to the Celtics’ 2008 NBA Championship.

During his 14-season career, Perkins played for teams like the Boston Celtics, Oklahoma City Thunder, Cleveland Cavaliers, and New Orleans Pelicans. He was known for his physical play and defensive skills, playing a key role in the Celtics' success and helping the Oklahoma City Thunder reach the 2012 NBA Finals. Perkins retired in 2018.

Post-retirement, Perkins transitioned to sports media, becoming a popular NBA analyst. He has worked with major outlets like ESPN, appearing on shows like NBA Todayand First Take, offering insights with his bold and outspoken style.

Overview of Kendrick Perkins' NBA Career

Kendrick Perkins had a 14-year NBA career, playing for four teams: the Boston Celtics, Oklahoma City Thunder, Cleveland Cavaliers, and New Orleans Pelicans. Known for his toughness and defensive skills, he primarily played the center position. Perkins started his career with the Celtics in 2003 after being drafted 27th overall. He gradually developed into a reliable player and was part of the Celtics' starting lineup when they won the NBA Championship in 2008.

During his time with the Celtics, Perkins became known for his strong rebounding and shot-blocking abilities. In 2011, he was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder, where he helped the team reach the NBA Finals in 2012, although they were defeated by the Miami Heat. He later had short stints with the Cavaliers and Pelicans, returning to the Cavaliers in 2018 for his final season. Over his career, he averaged 5.8 rebounds and 5.4 points per game.

How Many Championship Rings Does Kendrick Perkins Have?

Kendrick Perkins has one NBA championship ring, which he won with the Boston Celtics in 2008. He was the starting center for the Celtics during their title run, playing a key role on the defensive end. This was his only championship during his 14-year career in the NBA.

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