Kendrick Perkins Speaks Out on Celtics, Scalabrine Feud, and Banner Night Absence | NBA News

When fans came to celebrate a championship parade for the first time in 16 years in duck boats, they found the guest list was sorely lacking one name: former Boston Celtics player and champion Kendrick Perkins. Once an important contributor on Boston’s title team from 2008, ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins sat at home. Quickly circulated among fans were reports of whether Perkins was indeed barred from attending the event. Many said it might be in part because he’d lately been very blunt regarding criticism of the Celtics as he was currently configured under Coach Brad Stevens. Another rumor has it that Perkins would not be invited to upcoming Celtics events, including Banner Night.
Reported Comment from the Celtics
Though Perkins had a history with the franchise, sources say his present-day outspokenness might disqualify him from attending another team event. According to The U.S. Sun, Perkins tried to obtain a ticket to Banner Night in TD Garden. Within an hour of the post, Perkins answered the post from his X account, stating, “Sounds like you’re WRONG. This is completely False. I never had plans on attending Banner night and I’ve never reached out to anyone in the Celtics organization about attending banner night.” Perkins remained firm in his response to the rumors by retorting that people should “carry the hell on.”
Dispute with Old Teammate Brian Scalabrine
Adding fuel to the fire, Perkins’ former teammate, Brian Scalabrine, hinted that the Celtics weren’t too keen on having him there at the parade. The response from Perkins was one where he didn’t hesitate at all; he went all the way to calling his former teammate a “coward” on Boston’s Felger and Mazz show. Perk later explained on The Mark Jackson Show that he had no interest in going, noting that “nine times out of 10, I would’ve turned it down.” For Perkins, the 2024 celebration belonged to the current team, and he felt it was their moment to enjoy.
Boston Fan Expectations and Perkins’ Critiques
Perkins has established himself during his career as an ESPN analyst with candid, sometimes scathing critiques. He was from scrutinizing LeBron James to questioning the Celtics’ Jayson Tatum, and his unfiltered opinions were creating waves. He was one of those who went around saying they were disappointed with Tatum’s performance and once remarked, “I’m so over Jayson Tatum. When is he going to arrive?
“Boring” is how Perkins describes the 2022 Finals series against the Celtics. Recently, he criticized head coach Joe Mazzulla, suggesting that the head coach’s strategies were so dubious that if “you take his brain out and you put it in a bird, the bird is going to start flying backward.”

Closing the Celtics Chapter

Though Perkins acknowledges the Celtics played a significant role in his career, he appears happy to let bygones be bygones. Reflecting on his time in the past, he said, “They raised me,” but admitted that he had not returned to Boston one time on his own dollar since his trade in 2011. Any time he returns is strictly business. The Celtics are a closed book for Perkins, and he is not bitter, only a memory of yesterday.