Last season, Oklahoma City Thunder General Manager Sam Presti sent a clear message when he pulled the trigger on a trade that essentially exchanged Jeff Green, the under-performing forward he said he loved like a son, for the Boston Celtics defensive juggernaut Kendrick Perkins.
That message? Were going for it. The move suddenly shifted the fate of the young team Presti so carefully assembled atop Perkins very large knees, one of which suffered considerable damage in the 2010 NBA Finals.
But when a trimmed-down, faster and more agile center showed up in training camp almost two weeks ago, sans knee brace, every head turned.
We make an issue about the above way hes come back into camp this year, head coach Scott Brooks said at Thunder Media Day last week. But just looking back at it, Perks always been a worker. Hes always been a guy who does the little things, who helps his team win.
right, a bulkier Kendrick Perkins attempts a shot against Nene, of the Denver Nuggets during the 2010-2011 NBA season.
Said starting point guard Russell Westbrook, Its great to see hes committed to us and to winning.
Hes still physical, backup forward Nick Collison said. Hes just more mobile than he was before. He looks like a different player right now.
Perkins hard work proved a surplus of motivation for a franchise that experienced little roster changeover from last season. While others in the league scramble to fill open spots vacated by finished contracts and players lost to foreign teams in the lockout, the Thunder remain insulated, growing together into an even closer, more efficient unit.
Its a good advantage, Westbrook said. We all have everybody in camp, and everybodys healthy. And everybodys in shape, and thats definitely an advantage to have at this point in the year, especially with such a condensed season.
Perkins said it reminded him of the 2008 season, comparing the early training camp vibe to when he won the NBA Championship with the Celtics. Veteran center Nazr Mohammed said the same thing about his 2005 run with the Spurs.
The compacted season (there are multiple stretches where the Thunder will play seven games in 10 days or fewer) will try teams endurance, but a slimmer Perkins, a deep bench and two-time-running NBA scoring champion Kevin Durants (pictured) work ethic all have the Thunder headed for a deep playoff run.
I never tell KD this, but I think he set the bar high for me personally. Practice starts at 10 and hes up here at 7:45 every morning, Perkins said. KDs a guy who leads by example. When I first got here, I never seen a superstar work as hard as him, and thats the honest truth.
Thunder cracks
Scott Brooks on Russell Westbrooks contract negotiations:
We love Russell. But Sam [Presti] handles the roster. I coach them.
Westbrook, on his contract:
Its not a distraction at all.
Kevin Durant, on being back:
I feel like a rookie just getting dressed.
Durant, on Westbrooks future with the team:
I think hes gonna be on our team for a while. He wants to stay here.
Cole Aldrich, when asked about the shiner under his right eye:
Ask Kevin that.
James Harden, on his beard:
I havent cut it in a long time. Its just starting to grow wild. I dont think Im gonna touch it any time soon.
Kendrick Perkins:
Were not the young Oklahoma City team thats gonna sneak up and surprise people ... there is a target on our back.
Serge Ibaka, on his on-court priorities:
My offense be coming after my defense.
Photos by Shannon Cornman