Perkins appreciates support in emotional return

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BOSTON -- The scene was familiar.

A pack of reporters from Boston huddled around Kendrick Perkins locker while he patiently entertained every question asked of him. He provided a thoughtful answer to each one, making eye contact as he expressed his feelings on his first return to the TD Garden since being traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder in February.

On Monday night, he was the same Kendrick Perkins the media had gotten to know over the past eight years since his rookie season. He was same big man who always stopped for an interview, even when he was running late and still had to warm up. He was the same athlete who opened up and let the public get to know him off the court. Only this time he was in the visitors locker room.

Perkins loyal, gentle giant demeanor is the reason why Celtics staff stopped in to say hello after the game, his former teammates welcomed him when he visited his old locker room, and a packed arena rose to their feet as the Celtics organization played a tribute video to him on the Jumbotron.

Aside from the "No. 5" Thunder uniform he donned, Perkins hasnt changed.

The whole day I was confused, especially yesterday, Perkins said following the Thunders 97-88 win over the Celtics. I really didnt know what to expect. Mentally, I was just out of it. I didnt know whether to shoot the ball, pass the ball, hug the guy. I didnt know what to do. Im just really glad it's over. Im just glad we play in two different conferences so I dont have to keep going through this emotional breakdown.

Nearly a year after Perkins was dealt to the Thunder in a deal for Jeff Green, the emotional attachment to the Celtics is still strong. He speaks to his best friend, Rajon Rondo, every day and is regularly in contact with his former teammates.

Even as Perkins entered the TD Garden as an opponent, it was difficult for him to take on the mindset when still feeling such close ties to the organization he essentially grew up in.

No, I havent emotionally detached from the Celtics, he said prior to the game. Im definitely happy where Im at, never taking that for granted. Im definitely happy in Oklahoma. I was fortunate to leave one great situation and go to another one. But its a bond that you form, especially when you win a championship with guys, and also Ive been here since a young boy at 18 all the way to the age of 26. So its not like a little string you cut and just say yall go your separate ways and thats just the end of it. At the end of the day, Im happy and Im grateful for where Im at, but Id be lying to you if I said its just a string and Im cool, Im not attached and stuff like that, even to the city of Boston."

Perkins had to put his feelings aside as he took the court for 28 minutes in the Thunder victory. He scored seven points (3-5 FG), grabbed five rebounds, and blocked one shot. He was also called for four fouls (none were technicals).

After the game, he received praise from both sides who believed the video montage was a fitting tribute to his contributions to the Celtics organization.

Special night, said Thunder head coach Scott Brooks. It was emotional for him. He grew up here. Hes loved by his former teammates and the coach and the fans, and rightfully so. He does everything that you want your player to do. We love that. Im thrilled to coach him, I like coaching him, I love him. I love how he brings energy and toughness. Its one of the things that we needed and he brings it every night. It was a good, thats a classy organization that did what they did on the screen up top. You dont see that a lot. That was pretty special.

Said Rondo, It was well deserved. I kind of expected it. Perks been here for I think eight or nine years, so hes given the game and hes given these fans all hes had every night. It was a well-deserved reception.

Perkins himself was taken aback by the tribute. He walked to center court to raise his hand and address the crowd, soaking up all the appreciation for his work in Boston.

That was unbelievable, said Perkins. I really appreciate it. I say this time and time again, I really appreciate the whole city of Boston, the whole Celtics organization, just the way that they embrace me time and time again. Out of high school to who I develop as a player now, I just want to let them know I really appreciate it. They didnt have to do it. Its not like they just put some nonsense together. They didnt have to do it. Im not taking it for granted. I want to let people know I greatly appreciate it.

As the locker room cleared out and the Thunder left to board the team buses, Perkins stayed at his locker as visitor after visitor came through the door. As they approached the big man, everyone was greeted as a friend.

Even though the Thunder only play in Boston once this season, there was not a sense of goodbye as each person who came in to see Perkins walked out. With each handshake and hug exchanged, it was more like a see you later.

I have much love and greatly appreciate everything, Perkins said. I love Oklahoma, but just being here for eight years and winning a championship, its hard to replace. Its still got a special place in my heart here.

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