The Celtics’ biggest rival in 2022 isn’t the Bucks, Nets or even the Lakers. Instead, it’s Kendrick Perkins.
Perkins got into a Twitter back-and-forth with Jayson Tatum over the weekend after pointing out the young All-Star’s subpar play in Boston’s win Saturday over the Knicks. Perkins’ mild criticism prompted Tatum to call out the former big man on Twitter, saying he shouldn’t “uplift one man” while “bringing another one down.”
Some Celtics fans on social media publicly voiced their support for Tatum, which propelled Perkins to rip into the Green Teamers. “Y’all Celtics fans are changing!.” Perkins wrote. “Getting soft. I remember y’all used to boo us for underachieving. I guess times has changed or shall I (say) expectations.”
While most NBA analysts acquiesce to current players, Perkins shares his unabashed views, making him an outlier. He wasn’t shy about criticizing the Celtics during their disappointing 2020-21 campaign, and is doing the same this season.
In recent days, Perkins has doubled down on his critique of Celtics fans. "I got a problem with the Celtics fan base,” he said. “I played there eight and a half years. Maybe I got certain expectations maybe they don't have anymore. When I was playing there it was all about championships.”
More than anything, Perkins seems to be bemoaning the lack of a winning culture around the Celtics. Despite bringing back Al Horford, it’s apparent the team lacks veteran leadership, or players who can counter Tatum and Jaylen Brown when they get overly sensitive.
It’s too bad the Celtics can’t bring in Perkins to stand on the sidelines. That may result in a mini-mutiny, but he would be delivering the message they need to hear.