CELTICS GREEN BLOG by and for boston celtics fans: Perk is a ...... Bargain!

We all know that Perk is a beast thanks to our friends at Perkisabeast. The Globe today posted their player profile of Perk and so I thought it would be a good time to post my annual "I love Perk" post. I have been on Perk's bandwagon since day one and I took a lot of heat in the early days when many board posters were calling for him to be traded or cut. It's nice to see that Perk is finally getting the credit he deserves after last season.

I have often said that Perk is a beast, an intimidator and a force to be reckoned with in the paint. But, I haven't mentioned lately that Perk is also one of the best bargains out there. Consider the fact that Eddy Curry, who appears to be heading for the inactive list for the Knicks, is making $9.7 million and New York's other big man, Zach Randolph will make over $14 million this season. Or, consider that Samuel Dalembert will make $10.5 million this season. Or, we can look at Lamar Odom and Pau Gasol, both of whom were out played by Perk in the Finals last season. Odom will make $11.4 million this season and Gasol will make over $15 million. And, when you consider that Brian Scalabrine is making $3.2 million this season and all he adds to the team, Perk's $4 million is a real bargain.

I have said over and over again, you won't see Perk's value to this team in the stat sheets. Perk's importance to the team is most seen when he missed game 5 of the Finals. Just his presence is a game changer. It is nice to see others echoing what I have been saying all along. From the Globe:

Perkins, as evidenced by his trademark scowl, is the muscle on the team. He's a very good rebounder and the best one-on-one post defender on the roster (KG is the best help defender). Need proof of Perk's value? Pao Gasol (19 points, 13 rebounds) and Lamar Odom (20 points, 11 rebounds) had their best games of the Finals in Game 5, when Perkins was out with a shoulder injury. It may not show up on the stat sheet, but Perk intimidates the heck out of opponents. Gasol ran scared from Perkins in the Finals. He simply couldn't match up with his physical play.

The Celtics have Perk for 3 more years at just over $4 million and at 23 years old (soon to be 24), he hasn't reached his peak yet and is going to continue to get better. I expect Perk to take another step forward in his development this season and by the time Perk is finished with his current contract, the Celtics will certainly be getting way more than their money's worth. Have I mentioned lately that I love Perk?

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