Jan 20, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder center Kendrick Perkins (5) during the second half against Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena. Thunder won 94-86. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Kendrick Perkins wasn’t a dominant player or even a productive one, but he was still a big part of the team. Sorry to see him go or glad he’s gone? What’s a lasting memory of the “Perk Era” in OKC
Livingston: I may be the saddest of anyone to see Perk leave. His relationship with Durant and Westbrook really shaped them to the men and players they are today. People often forget that OKC didn’t truly become elite until Perkins injected his brand of toughness and leadership into the team. His constant scowl is going to be missed by all.
Once a thunder, always a thunder @KendrickPerkins! Love you boy!! Always!
— Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) February 19, 2015
Collums: I am sad to see Perkins go, mostly because he was the only jersey I ever bought from the Thunder. I think we got a better player in the long run trading him, but what he brought to this team and what he taught them will show for years to come.
Van Sant: Nothing will ever make me remember Perk more than his series-clinching dunk in Game 6 of the Western Conference Finals in 2012. The significance of the play followed by Kevin Durant hugging his family is one the greatest moments in Thunder history.
Stephens: I am honestly sad to see Perk go. Although he never was a “great” player in OKC and his salary just made him look so much worse, he was a crucial part in the building of the team’s culture. He was also vital in the development of many of the younger Thunder players. I have nothing but respect for Perkins.
Lambert: I’m sad to see him go from a leadership and chemistry perspective, but I won’t miss him on the court. He never fit with OKC’s up-tempo and athletic style and really became a detriment to the team when he played this season.
Fielder: Perk will definitely be missed. While he was never a “stats” guy, he was always one of the most solid intangibles-guys you’ll ever see. Whether it was setting a hard-screen or doing the dirty work on box-outs, Perks was kind of the grit-and-grind of the team and that’s certainly how I will remember him. There’s a reason why championship-caliber teams like the Cavs and Bulls are already pursuing him.
Riggs: Even though I screamed, “Noooooo!!!” at my television every time Perkins touched the ball, I will miss him in Oklahoma City. He was a big part of the culture change that took place in OKC, from a young team with no backbone to a championship contender. His dunk in Game 6 of the 2012 Western Conference Finals is one I will always remember.
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