it's very clear

[R Howe]

I would not be throwing Perk out with the wash based on this years performance unless the serious injury(s) that he has been trying to play thru projects to be a chronic condition going forward beyond this year. When healthy he is a very good defender of the post, good re-bounder, quick outlet passer (something we miss dearly) also boxes out and clears space for others to rebound. Perk has also developed a serviceable offensive game down on the blocks when rarely called to  do so. He also brings a beastly attitude onto the floor, again something we miss, accentuated by Tony going down and West being banged up for most of the year.

Is Perk our answer as a starting center I am not sure. If all we need out of our starting center is rock solid D against true centers and rebounding while scoring in the 6-12 Pt's per game range, then yes because scoring will not be a problem when out on the floor with Pierce, Jefferson, Allen/Green/Wally and any one of our PG's.

In addition if the C's continue to play short handed, giving valuable experience to our kiddie corps and also making sure no-one plays unless totally healthy for most of the rest of the season, I think a top 5 pick in this years draft is a lock. This ensures, in theory, that the C's will add a very good starting level player to our team for next year. If so then any trades would only be needed to shore up an area of weakness, clear roster space or add an experienced vet for a playoff run next year. Hopefully Danny allows for this scenario to play out and not do much this trading deadline unless to maybe allow Wally to come back for about five games (again if healthy) just before trading deadline, that is if Ainge wants to move him. I like Wally but his position is crowded when you factor Green starting to show he is for real though not ready yet and hopefully Allen returning to form around mid season next year, all of which as I am writing would be a case to hold on to
 Wally for another year.

I am usually in the anti tanking mode and think an attainable playoff appearance is something worth fighting for no matter what coventional wisdom rates our chances. But making sure people dont come back hurt and playing the best healthy players available, our kiddie corps, ensuring a valuable draft pick is in the best interest of our C's.. All that and it is entertaining to boot. Go C's!    

asterix ninetynine <asterix_9_9 at yahoo.com> wrote: Perkins' play reminds me more of Al's during last year.  Maybe the injury is more serious than we know.
  

Steve Ouellette  wrote:
  Perk is the one I'm really worried about. He hasn't had a single beast-like moment since coming back from his injury (and very few the weeks before he had to sit out). I'm assuming he just doesn't have his mobility back, which is affecting all aspects of his game, but right now his play is Blount-like, but without the offense.

Steve O

> Indeed, Gerald, Al, and Rajon have shown that they can play, if not win yet,
> against the big boys. And they still have a lot to learn. 
> Meanwhile, our NYC "point guard" is cementing his long-term role as a
> defensively challenged spot shooter and occasional penetrator off the bench,
> the reason he became third-string at Portland. 
> Perk's play of late is also of concern. Hopefully, it's just the combination of
> injuries and getting his rhythm back. 
> Kestas
> 
> 

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