1) He is an NBA champion, having won a title in 2008 as a starting center for the Boston Celtics. Prior to reaching the postseason with Cleveland in 2014-15, Perkins had been a starter on a playoff team for seven consecutive years, including 62 games for Boston and another 67 for Oklahoma City.
2) The 30-year-old Perkins, who came to the NBA directly from a Beaumont, Texas, high school in 2003, is the only Pelican in his 30s on the team’s entire roster. Omer Asik just turned 29 on July 4.
3) Known for his defense, rebounding and toughness, Perkins was used sparingly last season by Cleveland, appearing in just 17 games. On a per-minute basis, he ranked fourth on the Cavaliers in blocks, seventh in rebounding and first in personal fouls (5.8 per 36 minutes).
4) First-team All-NBA forward Anthony Davis becomes the latest in a long line of star teammates for Perkins during his pro career. In Boston, “Perk” played with Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen, before joining Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook in OKC, followed by his stint in Cleveland with LeBron James.
5) Perkins has appeared in a total of 143 playoff games and advanced past the first round eight straight years. Over the entire 13-year history of the New Orleans franchise, the Pelicans have played 40 postseason games (15-25 overall) and reached the second round once (2008).