Not only has Perk improved defensively, but his offensive skills look much more refined, he is playing with more control, and he is keeping his head  in the game. Kendrick still does display a disgusted look after a questionable foul call, but he is rarely involved in technical fouls.

Also, after losing some weight in the off-season, he is much more athletic. Multiple times this year I have seen Perk fade away from a few feet off the basket and drain a little hook shot. While it doesn’t seem like much, he is keeping defenders honest by adding a second offensive dimension.

Previously, he had trouble even with simple layups, his only weapon, so defenders could play him to his weakness, a shot from a little farther out.

Now, Perk has been giving defenses fits by draining the shots when the opportunity presents itself.

Why is this important to the Celtics?

As I already mentioned, he presents another defensive threat down low to complement Kevin Garnett, and has become a shot blocking player. On offense, he just adds to the complexity of the Boston offense, one that features Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett, and the ever improving Rajon Rondo.

Not only have his skills scoring, rebounding and defending improved, but he has also become a strong pick setter. He is very controlled when stepping in on a defender as a pick, and always has his feet set before taking a body. This gives guys like Ray Allen and Eddie House open looks and very often lead to three pointers or uncontested drives to the basket.

In all, Perkins is just another piece of the puzzle while Boston tries to build a championship run, but his presence can never again be looked over as opposing teams try to plan for the Green.