Boston Celtics News: GM Danny Ainge Says Kendrick Perkins ‘Not a Good Fit’ & More

Boston Celtics legend Kendrick Perkins wants to finish his career in Boston bu Danny Ainge isn’t sure he’s a good fit for the team at this time, plus more Celtics news.

After leading wire-to-wire in a much-needed 124-107 win over the New Orleans Pelicans, the Boston Celtics had three days off to rest and rework their game plan to improve for the easy upcoming schedule.

Starting with the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday, the Boston Celtics could be favored in each of their next nine games. At 11-10, Boston could use a stretch of wins and well-played games to work its way back up the Eastern Conference standings.

The three-day break has a barrage of Boston Celtics news, beginning with former Celtics champion and legendary center Kendrick Perkins expressing interest in returning to the roster for the season to end his career.

Boston Celtics General Manager Danny Ainge responded to the rumors on Toucher & Rich on 98.5 The Sports Hub, saying he had spoken with Perkins, but that he thought Perkins was not ‘a good fit’ for the team right now.

Though Kyrie Irving recently mentioned the need for the Celtics to add a veteran, Boston already has a deep and talented frontcourt led by Al Horford, Aron Baynes, Daniel Theis and Marcus Morris. Celtics coach Brad Stevens has already struggled to find time for The Time Lord, rookie center Robert Williams III, who has shuttled back and forth between the big club and the Maine Red Claws, despite playing well in limited action, because of the logjam up front.

Perkins is a strong veteran presence in the locker room who provided great leadership during his first stint in Boston as well as in other stops around the league. He is also a no-nonsense enforcer who brings toughness and discipline on and off the court.

However, Perkins is also well past his prime as a player and doesn’t serve as vital a role in the modern NBA as he did when the Celtics needed a go-to post defender to win in the postseason.

In order to add Perkins to the roster, Boston would either have to send someone like Williams III down to the Red Claws full-time or waive somebody, as they currently have 15 active players on the roster, including Jabari Bird, who is on an indefinite leave of absence from the team due to mental health and legal issues.

As much as Perkins meant to the Celtics faithful in the past, a reunion doesn’t seem necessary or likely, unless its a ceremonial signing like Boston did for Paul Pierce to end his career as a Celtic.

Boston Celtics News & Notes From Around FanSided

Marcus Smart Should Stay With The Starters [Andrew Nuerurer — HoopsHabit]

We also delved into the starting lineup changes here at HardwoodHoudini. Lucio Vainesman thinks the lineup changes could jumpstart the season, while Thomas King believes starting Smart is just a short-term solution.

Terry Rozier Re-Signing Seems Unlikely [Sam Minton — Chowder & Champions]

On our end, author Rudi Richards breaks down Rozier’s contract situation and the most likely outcomes for the reserve guard.

Celtics News From Around The Internet

Coach Nick: The Boston Celtics Have A Serious Problem [CLNS_Nick — Celticsblog]

The man behind BBallBreakdown breaks down the Celtics slow start to the season and casts blame all around.

Kyrie Irving All But Admits Viral Balancing Video is Fake [A.J. Mason — Celtics Wire]

What do you think?

Boston Celtics Waive Two-Way Guard Walt Lemon Jr. [Tom Westerholm — MassLive]

Lemon Jr. played 10 games for the Maine Red Claws, averaging more than 23 points per game. He played with the Celtics in the preseason before moving down to the minor league club.

The Boston Celtics host the Cleveland Cavaliers Friday night at 7. Be sure to check back on Hardwood Houdini before and after the game for all your pre and postgame content!