Former OKC Thunder Cupcake Master Perkins delivering NBA Finals entertainment

Former OKC Thunder player Kendrick Perkins is arguably providing the best entertainment of the NBA Finals.

When the OKC Thunder traded to add Kendrick Perkins to their roster back in February 2011, the center was 26 and in his prime. Most importantly Perkins arrived with NBA Finals and championship experience having learned under the tutelage of Kevin Garnett.

In fact,  many felt Perkins injury in the 2009-10 finals versus the Lakers cost the Celtics the title. An injury limited Perk to 6:30 in Game 6 and rendered him unable to play in Game 7.

Upon his arrival in OKC immediately Perkins served as a strong voice both in the OKC Thunder locker room, outside the arena and brought toughness to the court. In OKC Perkins served as Westbrook and Durant’s mentor instilling the confidence and grit they required to take the next step.

The infamous ‘cupcake’ commentary Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant became so fond of came courtesy of Perkins. The center would call out ‘soft players’ for failing to bring their best efforts. The duo adopted the term and it became the running commentary to bring out effort among their own players or to throw shade at competitors.

It also subsequently served as the fodder the former partners used to throw shade at one another when Durant left for Oakland.

Russ’ response to KD departure (and finding out like everyone else via social media):

https://www.instagram.com/p/BHcsHe1A3Js/?utm_source=ig_embed

Durant’s shot back after winning the title:

https://twitter.com/NBCSWarriors/status/878725917455007744

Perkins the Peacemaker and ultimate teammate:

Ironically Perkins also served as the peace maker between the pair. He brokered the conversation between the duo to end their silence.

No doubt LeBron James was familiar with how well regarded Kendrick is and what a great  teammate he is. Despite sitting on the bench throughout these playoffs Kendrick Perkins has arguably performed his role better than some of his Cavaliers teammates who are playing.

In the Toronto series he got into it with fan Ambassador Drake which resulted in the artist receiving a warning from the Association.

During the Celtics series Perkins often seemed like he was splitting his time between providing coaching and cheer leading. For example, Perkins was spotted yelling out defensive sequences for his teammates. When Celtics took shots in the vicinity of the Cavaliers bench Perk could be seen clapping, yelling or being a pest.

Other than LeBron, Perkins may be most entertaining Cav in finals:

Versus the Warriors, KP has played more of the pest role. In Game 1, Draymond Green got demonstrative on court mimicking a cheer leader and yapping in Perkins direction. The takeaway here is – why was Green allowing someone on the Cavaliers bench (wearing a suit no less) to take his attention away from the action on the court? Wasn’t that a win for Perkins?

https://twitter.com/AshleyNevel/status/1002434619533225985

In Game 2 Perkins and Steph Curry got into a verbal altercation because the Warriors guard felt he wasn’t making any effort to get his feet out of the way. The presumption is Curry felt Perk  extended his legs unnecessarily. Thankfully Curry (who has the history with ankle injuries) wasn’t hurt.

Articles the day after noted how the Warriors were upset with Perkins. The reality is Curry ended up posting a historic night from the perimeter. And, it was achieved predominantly after the altercation. But, in Game 3 both the Splash Brothers struggled from the floor. The question is did Perk get in the Dubs heads?

KD – Perkins altercation is like two brothers play fighting:

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On Thursday, pundits tried to make something of Perkins sticking his head into KD’s presser & extending unfriendly fingers toward his former teammate. KD responded by mouthing some words I won’t repeat. But, this felt more like two brothers teasing each other or play fighting.

My point is Kendrick Perkins was brought onto the Cavaliers roster at season end to offer a veteran voice and an extra set of eyes. The fact he’s played the role of instigator and pest is a bonus. His ability to call out defensive rotations paid dividends versus the Celtics. And, he clearly has annoyed some of the Warriors enough to warrant in game confrontations and post game commentary.

Ultimately, the series may end tonight, or could require another game in Oakland. Whenever the series inevitably finishes expect Perk and K.D. to be one of the first two to embrace.

Koby Altman made a lot of moves once he took over as the Cavaliers GM, but no one should be questioning the addition of Kendrick Perkins. He’s exceeded expectations for the role he was supposed to bring during the Cavaliers run.

And, perhaps most importantly, he’s given OKC Thunder and NBA fans some of the best entertainment during the NBA Finals.