The Celtics took a lot of heat for the Kendrick Perkins deal which affected their chemistry and changed their starting lineup in the middle of the season. Boston had a 41-14 record at the time of the trade, but finished 15-12 the rest of the way.
Jeff Green averaged 9.8 points through the 26 games.
Rajon Rondo refused to use injuries as an excuse for losing in the second round of the playoffs to the Miami Heat. But he also believes the trade of Perkins, his closest friend on the team, affected the Celtics “more than it should have.”
“It wasn’t like the man passed away or something,” Rondo said. “I think we put too much emphasis on it. It’s a business. He got traded. He’s very happy where he’s at. We still talk and I’m always going to have his back. It shouldn’t have affected us the way it affected us.”