NBA Title? No, Kendrick Perkins picked the Celtics to win the East.

NBA Title? No, Kendrick Perkins picked the Celtics to win the East.

former squad, most notably likening Joe Mazzulla, the head coach of the Celtics, to a bird.

During the NBA All-Star festivities, Perkins selected the team from the West to win the NBA title even though he thought Boston would win the East.

“They are the team that I have selected to emerge from the Eastern Conference,” Perkins said to Chris Forsberg of NBC Sports Boston. “.. The Clippers vs. Celtics finals come to mind. A fresh kind of L.A. vibe. Jayson Tatum and Kawhi Leanord are participating. I think the Clippers have a little advantage in this seven-game series, but I wouldn’t be shocked if the Celtics prevailed.

Perkins stated that the Celtics’ chances of winning Banner No. 18 depend greatly on Kristaps Porzingis.

Perkins stated, “I want to see how well Porzingis’ body is going to hold up.” That’s the only thing that worries me about the Celtics in the long run. I’m not aware of any other Eastern Conference club that could match that depth at the wing position right now in terms of defensive ability.

In 40 games, Porzingis has averaged 20.2 points, 6.9 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.9 blocks despite missing 15 for Boston.

With a six-game lead over the Cleveland Cavaliers for the top seed in the Eastern Conference, the Celtics have the best record in the league (43-12).