Oklahoma City Thunder: Why Kendrick Perkins Needs a Lesser Role, Who Can Replace

The Oklahoma City Thunder acquired Kendrick Perkins from the Boston Celtics in 2011. At the time, the Thunder were in need of a big man, and Thunder Nation was ecstatic over the blockbuster trade. But three seasons have passed, Perkins' lack of offensive ability has hindered the Thunder and now it is time for change. 

The Thunder enter the 2013-14 season with the same ultimate goal that they have had the last several years: win an NBA title. And while they have been labeled "title contenders" in those years, they have fallen short, with their closest year of becoming NBA champions coming in the 2011-12 season when they made it to the NBA Finals. 

But if the Thunder want to finally get over the hump and capture that elusive NBA title, then they will need to consider reevaluating the right man for the job at starting center. 

In his career, Perkins has averaged six points per game, 6.2 rebounds and 1.3 blocks. His numbers last season were not any better, as he averaged 4.2 points, six rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game.

As the NBA evolves into a league with fewer big men being utilized, Perkins' usefulness drops drastically. He is undoubtedly an elite defender. His physical defense is exceptional against other premier big men in the league such as Dwight Howard, Marc Gasol and Chris Bosh.

Although, on the offensive side of the ball, Perkins is virtually non-existent. Besides his decent screen-setting ability, he is of no use. Take this for example.

So who can replace Perkins at center?

Well, the Thunder have a viable option in their first-round draft pick, Steven Adams. 

Sure, he's young, but Adams has all of the defensive and offensive ability needed to develop into a superb center. Chad Ford at ESPN (subscription required) noted how Adams impressed at the NBA draft combine with surprising offensive ability:

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Pittsburgh’s Steven Adams was the big winner on Day 1. Not only did Adams look the part of a NBA center (he measured 7 feet, 250 pounds with a 7-foot-4.5 span), but he showed off some terrific athleticism and toughness on the defensive end. However, that’s not what wowed scouts. Adams showed off a surprising — no, shocking — offensive game, hitting jump shot after jump shot with a feathery touch.

“I can say I was honestly stunned,” one NBA GM said. “Where did that come from? That’s not something you develop with a few weeks with a trainer. He was way more skilled than we thought. That makes a huge difference in our evaluation of him.

"

Adams' performance in the NBA combine impressed Thunder scouts, and ultimately led to his being picked 12th overall in the 2013 draft by the Thunder. And in the early stages of the Thunder's preseason, Adams has already shown development in his game. 

On NewsOK.com, Darnell Mayberry quoted Thunder coach Rex Kalamian concerning Adams' encouraging play in the first game of the Thunder's preseason: "I thought he was solid," and, "I think that he has a lot to learn and he knows it. He asks a lot of questions. He's like a sponge. I think he really soaks things up very well. And he's given us good feedback on how he feels."

With that said, Adams still has a lot to work on before he becomes the effective center the Thunder desperately need. And while he may not put up impressive numbers right away, or prove to be much better than Perkins at that, his development in the long run will only better this Thunder team. 

Compare this situation to the Indianapolis Colts when they had to make the tough decision of parting ways with Peyton Manning so they could develop Andrew Luck for long-term purposes.

The Colts didn't choose Luck because they thought of him as the better quarterback at the time, but they knew Manning's days in the NFL were numbered. They wanted to give Luck the reins at quarterback for long-term insurance. 

Now, I'm not saying that Perkins is in any way, shape or form the type of player in the NBA as Manning is in the NFL, but you get the point. 

Despite being inexperienced, Adams would be the wise choice for the Thunder to start in the upcoming season. As stated before, he has all of the ability needed to develop into a premier center in the NBA.

More importantly, Adams has the offensive skill set necessary to contribute greatly for the Thunder, which is something the Thunder will need if they are to become NBA champions. 

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