KG made Perkins look like a better defender that he was or is.
He's a decent low post defender ( he was when his knees were 100%). He's now basically an overpaid back up center, you shouldn't get 9 million because you can attempt to rough up Pau Gasol or bark at Zac Randolph.
This team isn't soft. Doc is trying to get them fired up, trying to ignite something under them.
We have two guys who just came off major heart surgery and are playing in the NBA after having their chest cavities opened up and played with, sewn back up, barely walking 9 months ago- now THAT is tough.
A team that takes the Miami Heat to 7 games in their court and gets through the ECF when Rondo gets suspended and wins that Hawks game, with Ray on one leg, Avery's shoulder cooked etc. Rondo playing the year before with a broken arm, or scoring 44 points and 15 assists in an epic series.
That ain't soft.
Anyone who claims Perkins was the key to our 'toughness' is kidding themselves. He was a godchild of KG.
We still have KG playing like he's 26 every night at age 36. That's tough.
It's 15 games in. Oh and by the way, Perkins 'toughness' ain't that special if OKC wish they unloaded him a while ago. Problem is no one will take that contract lol.
I know who the Heat are not wanting to see in the ECF this year. They don't care about those overpaid bums on the Nets. They don't care about the hyped up Knicks. They don't care about the 76ers without Bynum.
But they are well and truly worried about the Celtics team with 8 new players and wondering how long it will take before their much improved roster starts paying dividends.
As I said, it's 15 games in. People need to think back to last year, everyone ALWAYS hits the panic button- it's an 82 game season. It takes TIME to develop chemistry- but don't question our toughness. Doc doesn't, he's using psychology on the younger guys to get them going, to buy in. He knows he's got KG, Rondo, Pierce and Bass- 4 of the toughest SOB's in the NBA who went to war with the Heat and almost came out on top- he just wants more from the new guys and he'll find a way to get it. Terry's already got it. Lee's got it even if his shot isn't falling.
When Avery gets back it will just solidify our defensive toughness and probably spark the others into playing some real defense.
They're coming for all the haters.