Perkins on Rondo staying in Boston: 'I think this is a great place for him'
Kendrick Perkins has some advice for former teammate Rajon Rondo: don't leave Boston.
The two played together for five seasons with the Celtics and helped Boston win the 2008 NBA Finals, its first championship since 1986.
Perkins was back in Boston on Wednesday when his Oklahoma City Thunder took on Rondo's Celtics. He was asked about Rondo's upcoming free agency - the point guard's contract is up at the end of the year - and Perkins made his opinion quite clear.
"I think this is a great place for him, and I think he wants to stay here," Perkins said, according to WEEI's Zack Cox. "We talk on a regular (basis). I think he should stay. If I were him, I would stay."
The current group Rondo is playing with should be incentive enough, in Perkins' mind, let alone the lucrative contract the 28-year-old is sure to command.
Rondo, who entered Wednesday averaging an NBA-best 11.2 assists, should have plenty of suitors when he hits the open market.
"I just think it's the perfect situation for him," Perkins said. "He’s got a good group of guys around him, a good, young coach. It’s his team, he’s able to play the way he’s capable of playing. He’s almost averaging a triple-double. He’s got some good talent around him: (Jared) Sullinger, Jeff (Green), the young kid I can’t pronounce with the long hair (Kelly Olynyk)."
Rondo's 20-point, 12-assist, nine-rebound effort wasn't enough to beat the Thunder, who won their third game of the season, 109-94.
But Rondo made sure to have some fun with Perkins in the loss.