In 2003, Kendrick Perkins came into the NBA with two disadvantages right away. He was inexperienced & out of shape.
Perkins was just an 18-year-old when the Celtics drafted him, as the differences between high school & the NBA woke him up fast.
The former Boston center only appeared in 70 games during his first two years, not really seeing any meaningful action until his third season.
(Via Coach Alvin Brooks III):
“I didn’t play much my first two years, I was overweight. I remember going into training camp I was like 320 pounds, 24% body fat.”
