The Boston Celtics like to make it clear that former members of the franchise are welcomed back whenever they are around, though there may be one exception to that rule.
In a recent episode of SiriusXM’s “The Starting Lineup” show, former Celtics player and current TV analyst Brian Scalabrine discussed the Celtics’ “open door” policy toward former players. Co-host Frank Isola started prodding Scalabrine for exceptions and named Perkins, prompting a firm “no” from Scalabrine.
Brian Scalabrine just went on the radio and said that the Celtics don’t welcome Kendrick Perkins back like they do with the other former players 😭
— CelticsUnite (@CelticsUnite18) June 21, 2024
“No. Big scarlet letter,” Scalabrine said of Perkins. “Not really an open arms thing with Kendrick Perkins.”
Scalabrine did not go into reasons, but Perkins has been harshly critical of his former team at times in his role as an ESPN analyst. Perkins would presumably argue this proves he will call out anyone without bias, but a lot of his takes have aged horrendously. A year ago, for instance, Perkins said “with the utmost confidence” that it was time to break up the Jayson Tatum-Jaylen Brown duo. He was also hugely critical of coach Joe Mazzulla earlier this season.
Those criticisms perhaps felt more valid when they were made, but Mazzulla, Brown, and Tatum just won a title together despite the critics. Even though Perkins was a member of their 2008 championship team, the organization probably is not interested in embracing someone who has been so consistently critical.
