Kendrick Perkins signs with Pelicans, will mentor Anthony Davis

Cory Collins

Kendrick Perkins signs with Pelicans, will mentor Anthony Davis image

Kendrick Perkins has lost more than a step or two since he started at centre for the 2008 NBA Champion Boston Celtics. But an NBA franchise on the rise is hoping that championship pedigree and experience can translate to mentorship, if not minutes.

According to Cleveland.com, Perkins, a free agent and former Cavalier, has signed a one-year deal with the Pelicans at the veterans minimum. On Wednesday morning, ESPN's Marc Stein confirmed the report, adding that the Pelicans see Perkins playing a role in superstar Anthony Davis's development, serving not only as a backup centre, but a mentor.

The 12-year veteran, though just 30, has seen his production slow in recent seasons. His minutes and points per game peaked in his two final, full seasons with the Celtics (2008-2010), when Perkins averaged 9.3 points and 7.9 rebounds per game in 28.6 minutes played. But Perkins' value always resided in his defence down low, where his less quantifiable presence provided strength in the post for the Celtics, and later, the Thunder.

Even when Perkins' defensive skills waned with the Thunder, he still seemingly served as a spiritual centrepiece of Oklahoma City's young nucleus — a nucleus that seemed poised for a run after making the NBA Finals in 2012. Not until 2013-14 did his minutes dip below 20 per game. Last season, the Thunder traded Perkins to the Utah Jazz in a three-team trade that netted them Enes Kanter, among others. Perkins agreed to a buyout with the Jazz before joining the Cavaliers for their run to the NBA Finals.

The Pelicans hope Perkins can go four-for-four and make the NBA Finals in a New Orleans uniform. He'll practice and play alongside Anthony Davis, basketball's reigning first-team All-NBA power forward, leading blocker and wunderkind destined for special seasons to come.

Cory Collins