So I received the first round of voting results from the NBA this week, and needless to say, the results are a bit surprising. If you’ve watched enough Celtics games this year, you’d think Kendrick Perkins has really taken a big leap forward, becoming a Rick Mahorn-like intimidating presence in the paint, while improving his low post game (season averages: 12 PPG, 8 RPG, 2 BPG, 65% FG Pct). It’s very noticeable that when he’s not in the game, the Celtics turn into a jump shooting squad that if cold, can give up a lead in a hurry. You could even say he’s become the top “enforcer” in the East. That said, take a look at the early returns:
Centers:
1. Dwight Howard (Orl) 625,279
2. Shaquille O’Neal (Cle) 206,657
3. Andrea Bargnani (Tor) 67,310
4. Al Horford (Atl) 52,747
5. Andrew Bogut (Mil) 45,920
6. Brook Lopez (NJ) 39,420
7. Jermaine O’Neal (Mia) 38,956
8. Rasheed Wallace (Bos) 36,855
9. Kendrick Perkins (Bos) 19,408
10. Brad Miller (Chi) 17,188
Nevermind that Horford and Jermaine O’Neal aren’t exactly traditional centers, Perk’s own backup, Rasheed Wallace, has nearly TWICE the votes! As a basketball fan, this offends me greatly. Perkins may not have the gaudy offensive stats, but his defense is such that he can control Howard, and definitely O’Neal, in the paint. Bargnani is clearly benefitting from the overseas vote, but at this point in his career, he, Bogut, and Lopez aren’t even close.
Yes, I know this is mostly because the hard-working Perk toils in obscurity behind the Big Three, “it guard” of the moment Rajon Rondo, even ‘Sheed, who is coasting on past glory. So SportsCenter 5 is calling for a special election – get out and do your part. There’s even a handy website set up called, appropriately enough, VOTE FOR PERK!. Check it out and cast your ballot.
-SI