Basketball Insiders’ Jess Camerato spoke with Kendrick Perkins about his new relationship with old enemy LeBron James:
Kendrick Perkins played over three seasons with Kevin Garnett. During that time, LeBron James was enemy number one, the Boston Celtics’ biggest foe on the Cleveland Cavaliers as they fought to rule the Eastern Conference.
Four years later, that rival is now Perkins’ teammate. He sees similarities between his past and present team leaders.
“Him and KG are on the same level,” Perkins said. “They’re both so unselfish, it’s crazy. They [really like] making other people great. Then when you hear them talk outside of the court, it’s on a whole other level. They know their [stuff] front to back. LeBron could be a GM some day.”
“Every day he carries himself as a professional – the way he takes care of his body, doing all the little things – and he punches in the clock,” Perkins said. “All the success you see on the court, there’s a lot of work behind the scenes … Catch him spending an hour-and-a-half daily, cold tub, massages, shots, he’s great. He’s [so] dominant that you’ve got to follow him … When he talks, everybody is like, ‘Ok, yes sir.’”
In addition to James’ 25.3 points, 6.0 rebounds and 7.4 assists per game this season, Perkins has been impressed by his basketball IQ.
“I knew he was a great basketball player, but you’ve got to be around him to really respect his knowledge and his passion for the game,” Perkins said of James. “His knowledge is unbelievable. He’s really one of the smartest guys I’ve been around as far as knowing the game.”
Funny, Perk didn’t mention James uncanny ability to abandon close friends as soon as he finds someone else who can better serve his individual needs.
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