Kendrick Perkins shuns Clippers and signs with the Cleveland Cavaliers

February 24, 2015

After being traded to the Utah Jazz and then agreeing to a buyout, center Kendrick Perkins has decided now to sign with the Cleveland Cavaliers, teaming up with an old rival of his in LeBron James.

Perkins reportedly contemplated joining the Los Angeles Clippers and his former coach Doc Rivers.  Perkins and Rivers enjoyed prior success with the Boston Celtics, where they won an NBA title in 2008.

One of the tougher challenges those Celtics teams faced was LeBron James, so it is interesting that Perkins has chosen to play with a guy he fought against so many times.

Perkins has never been much of a scorer, but his physical presence and veteran leadership are assets to any contending team.  More importantly, on a team with James, Kyrie Irving, and Kevin Love, the Cavs do not really need another scorer.

Where Perkins does have tremendous value is on the defensive side of the ball, as he can not only clog the lane, but also is a great one-on-one post defender with the strength to force opponents off the block when they attempt to get position.

The effectiveness of his post defense can best be seen in the fact that he rarely requires double team assistance -- a great bonus to any defense because it allows his teammates to stay at home with their man.

Expect Perkins to come off the bench, providing depth and another six fouls in the Cavs' big man rotation.

The 6-10 and 270-pound Perkins, holds career averages of 5.6 points on .530 shooting from the field, 6.0 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks in 22.6 minutes over 727 games (560 starts) with the Oklahoma City Thunder and Boston Celtics.

Perkins has appeared in the postseason eight times, seeing action in 135 games (129 starts) and averaging 5.4 points, 6.2 rebounds and 1.1 blocks in 24.7 minutes.

The Clifton J. Ozen High School (TX) is a 12-year veteran who was originally selected in the first round (27th overall) of the 2003 NBA Draft by Memphis.

Perkins appeared in 51 games (three starts) for the Thunder this season, averaging 4.0 points and 5.5 rebounds in 19.2 minutes.

By Staff of TheDailySportsHerald.com and news services

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