The Perkins Trade: One of the Worst in NBA History

[dalakhani]

Now that the Celtics have been sent on their way, I think it is fair to say that the trade deadline swap of Perkins and Robinson for Krstic, Green and 2012 clipper first rounder is arguably one of the worst trades in NBA history.

Now before anyone starts throwing tomatoes, I don't mean from a material standpoint. Certainly the Clippers first rounder next year will be no worse than mid tier and possibly even a lottery pick. Green was not too long ago a top five pick and averaged 14 a game for a playoff team. That is not a terrible haul for a soon to be free agent who wanted a contract the celts were unwilling to pay.

The reason it is one of the worst trades in NBA history is because it took a team that was in the drivers seat for home court advantage throughout the playoffs and turned them into a road team for the conference semifinals. It took a team with the toughest interior defense in the league and made them rely on the knees of Jermaine O'neal. Worst of all, it took away the chemistry and that "edge" the celtics had by being the bullies of the east.

Wade and Lebron lived in the lane. Would that have been the case if Perkins was there to clean up, clotheslines and forearms in tow?

Its hard to say if the Celtics would have won the championship with Perkins, but I think one would have to be naive not to notice the differences in the way teams attacked Boston after the trade. I have never seen a trade turn a contender into such a mediocrity overnight.

[clyde]

splat!!!!










Kidding....so true.

[horseofcourse]

You may be right, but I'm still not convinced Miami wins that series without the decapitation of Rondo's left arm. Even with a crippled point guard, Boston was not too far at all from winning both game's 4 and 5.

[dalakhani]

Originally Posted by horseofcourse

You may be right, but I'm still not convinced Miami wins that series without the decapitation of Rondo's left arm. Even with a crippled point guard, Boston was not too far at all from winning both game's 4 and 5.

I agree. But then against Chicago? Chicago would have abused them in the paint like they did the last time they played.

[ateamstupid]

Originally Posted by dalakhani

I agree. But then against Chicago? Chicago would have abused them in the paint like they did the last time they played.

The Celtics likely wouldn't have beaten the Bulls with or without Perkins. Their defense is too good and their frontcourt is deeper and more athletic than any in the NBA.

[SCUDSBROTHER]

Would appear that Boston's players have a tendency to get hurt. They play in a style that results in this. If it ain't Rondo, it would possibly be Perkins getting re-injured. You can't say that, because he's playing for OKC, then, he'd been fine to play for Boston. The Celtics have a different style.

2009: Garnett

2010: Perkins

2011: Rondo

[ateamstupid]

Originally Posted by SCUDSBROTHER

Would appear that Boston's players have a tendency to get hurt. They play in a style that results in this. If it ain't Rondo, it would possibly be Perkins getting re-injured. You can't say that, because he's playing for OKC, then, he'd been fine to play for Boston. The Celtics have a different style.

2009: Garnett

2010: Perkins

2011: Rondo

Meh. KG has had knee problems going back to his days in Minnesota and both Perkins and Rondo got hurt in freakish ways. They did have a lot of injuries this season in particular, but that's more due to their collective age.

[ateamstupid]

Originally Posted by horseofcourse

You may be right, but I'm still not convinced Miami wins that series without the decapitation of Rondo's left arm. Even with a crippled point guard, Boston was not too far at all from winning both game's 4 and 5.

Bingo.

The bigger problem was that Ainge and Doc gambled on Shaq's health and lost. A 100% or thereabouts Shaq changes things in the lane against Miami, even without Perk. The timing of the trade also wasn't great, as it came at a time when the Celts were cruising and didn't give them much time to incorporate all the new pieces. Green is a good player, but you could tell he wasn't confident within the Celtic offense in the playoffs.

Bottom line is while the trade may have hindered their chances at a title this season, calling it 'one of the worst in NBA history' is hysterical IMO. Perk is a big, strong post defender who doesn't move well and couldn't play in the 4th quarter because he was (and is) a complete liability on offense. Perkins was very valuable to the C's when they played Orlando because of his ability to keep Howard out of the paint, but that's about it.