The historically black Pear Orchard neighborhood feels more like proud, small-town Texas than part of a city indebted to the oil industry. Tucked into the south end of Beaumont, Pear Orchard is anchored by two Catholic churches, Ozen High School, and the kind of closeness that comes when families live in the same place for generations. Mary Lewis raised her children and grandson Kendrick Perkins in the same home on Glenwood Street. Perkins recently promised his grandparents a new house with part of his $814,300 rookie salary, but Lewis cannot see herself moving to another section of Beaumont.

Before he was selected 27th overall in last month's NBA draft and then traded to the Celtics, Perkins wasn't sure he wanted to leave either. The people of Pear Orchard were there for Perkins when his father abandoned him as a toddler and his mother was murdered a few years later. Now, as an 18-year-old making the transition from high school to the NBA, life in Pear Orchard is remarkably uncomplicated for Perkins. Standing in front of his house, he can see the Ozen High School athletic facilities where he prepares almost daily for the NBA. Standing in front of the main gym, he can see Our Mother of Mercy, where he serves as an altar boy on Sundays. One square mile encompasses all that is important to Perkins.

To understand Perkins and the challenges ahead for him, you must first become familiar with that well-traveled 1 square mile in Pear Orchard. The people there supported Perkins long before he grew into a high school basketball star and NBA prospect. They made sure he stayed far away from trouble and remained focused, though everyone claims Perkins never lacked a strong work ethic. They made sure the absence of a mother and father faded into the background. For Perkins, moving from Beaumont to Boston may be the toughest part of turning pro.

''It's like one big family,'' said Perkins of Pear Orchard. ''Everybody's very supportive. It's just home. If my grandparents are out of town, I can easily go stay with somebody. I can go somewhere knowing I'm not going to be messed with, because everybody gets along. You can just go to a neighbor's house and eat. You're not singled out or left out. I'll miss this small, little city.

''I've traveled a lot of places and never wanted to leave [Beaumont], but right now, I'm comfortable with leaving. Where your team plays [in the NBA] is like your hometown, but it's really like you're living everywhere because you're traveling so much. I feel like I'm ready to go to Boston and live.''