Big Men, Old Friends

Orlando’s Dwight Howard and Boston’s Kendrick Perkins have always been close.

They will renew acquaintances for the next two weeks when they battle in the low post in the best-of-seven Eastern Conference semifinal series between the Celtics and Magic.

But ever since the two came into the league four seasons ago, the two have always shared a bond that only NBA big men can share.

“Me and Kendrick, we worked out together when we first got into the NBA at a big-man camp, with Clifford Ray actually,” Howard said before Game 1 on Monday night. “I think he saw how hard I worked and how skinny I was when I first got drafted. And how was I was able to grow into myself and my game.”

Clifford Ray is the Celtics coach dedicated to coaching big men. Quite the advantage for Perkins as he looks for any advantage.

“I always battled,” Howard said. “Back then, we had a lot fun together working out and just hanging out and just learning about each other.”

Kendrick Perkins said earlier in the day that he isn’t losing any sleep worrying about guarding Howard. And Howard said on Monday evening that Perkins has earned the right to be that confident.

“I’ve seen him grow over the past couple of years and he’s done an excellent job for their team,” Howard said.