Cleveland Cavaliers Adding Kendrick Perkins to Training Camp Roster
Looks like Kendrick Perkins is attempting to make a comeback to the National Basketball Association (NBA).
According to Joe Vardon of cleveland.com, the Cleveland Cavaliers have invited Perkins to training camp next week. The 32-year-old center was at LeBron James' minicamp in Santa Barbara, California, and he seemed to be in great shape. However, Vardon has noted that he is unlikely to make the team.
"Cleveland already has 15 players under guaranteed contract and is $18.6 million over the league's luxury tax line — which means it would cost the team millions to cut someone else and give a roster spot to Perkins," Vardon said in his report.
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"Perkins, a 13-year vet who averaged 5.4 points and 5.8 boards for his career, is not eligible for Cleveland's remaining 'two-way' contract. Those are new to the NBA this year and are meant for players who will spend time in both the developmental, minor 'G' League and the NBA," he added.
Every team needs a bruising center who does not mind doing the dirty work on both ends of the floor, but the Cavaliers already have Tristan Thompson in their lineup, and he's younger and more athletic than Perkins.
Besides, the Cavaliers already have a crowded frontcourt. Aside from Thompson, they also have Channing Frye, Edy Tavares and rookie Ante Žižić at center. And head coach Tyronn Lue has also mentioned that they want to play Kevin Love more at center next season in a small-ball lineup.
The veteran center has had a good career, and he may still have what it takes to play in the NBA. However, the Cavaliers don't really need to add another big man right now.
Perkins played the role of enforcer for the Boston Celtics and the Oklahoma City Thunder for most of his career, and he was a key member of the 2007–08 Celtics team that captured the NBA title.
