Kendrick Perkins discusses Rondo, return of Pierce and Garnett

Credit ESPN
Despite being on different teams, Rajon Rondo and Kendrick Perkins still remain very close friends. Prior to Friday night's game, Perk said that the two talk "almost every day". He continued to provide some insight into Rondo's mindset during his rehab. Via the Metro West Daily News:

"He seemed a little nervous," Perkins said. "He was a little scared. Everything was bothering him. I told him there's nothing wrong. He kept saying, 'Man, I keep hearing this and this,'--you know how he gets. I had to tell him once he steps out on the court all that stuff goes out the window."

Despite Rondo's lack of production thus far, Perkins said he told Rondo to be patient.

"I called him after his first game," Perkins said. "He said: 'I was good. I was just missing shots.' I told him that would come."

After conquering the Lakers together in the 2008 NBA championship, the two now share the bond of recovering from ACL surgery. With that badge already on his chest, Perk said he offered advice to Rondo prior to his return to the court as well.

"He'll ask me different questions," Perkins said. "I tell him to stay on top of working the opposite leg that he didn't hurt the same as he's working the leg that he did hurt because once you tear an ACL there's a 50/50 chance you could tear the other one. There's a lot of guys who don't focus on strengthening the other leg as much."

Perk explained why he wasn't surprised when Rondo was named team captain to succeed Paul Pierce.

"This is his team," Perkins said. "Right now I know he's just trying to get his legs up under him, get his rhythm back. He should know how to be a leader. I think he'll do a good job at it."

The Boston media surrounded Perk before the game and he reminisced about his time in a green jersey.

"It definitely brings back memories being here eight years from when I was 18 to 26 going on 27," he said. There are definitely great people here. I still have a lot of friends around here. It's always good to come back."

Perkins said he typically tours the city each time he returns to Boston, but admitted "I didn't yesterday because it was too cold."

He also admitted he will be tuned in Sunday night when Garnett and Pierce return to the Garden for the first time since being traded to Brooklyn in the offseason.

"It's going to be emotional," Perk said. "I wouldn't be surprised if they both shed a tear. They did a lof things here--especially Paul. I'll be watching. [My first game back] was great. I thought the fans, the organization, the Celtics really showed their appreciation. It was great. It gave me chills. It's hard to play through that after you get a little ceremony like that."