The** **return of Kendrick Perkins last night was a nice shot in the arm to a Celtics team that hasn’t been even close to full strength yet in the 2010-11 season. He is the backbone of this team and he brings toughness and a win-or-die attitude to the table EVERY night which is rare for NBA big men. For that reason alone, he is extremely under rated. Regardless of Perkins’ prolonged absence, the green have the second best record in the NBA and are giving up a conference fewest 91.8 points per game or almost four points better than the 95.6 points per game they gave up last season. Make no mistake, though. The difference in numbers has NOTHING to do with Perkins presence and more to do with the Celtics’ revived focus on the regular season which was compromised last season, to say the least.   It’s scary to think of how good this team can be defensively when he gets his legs back under him and Delonte West and Jermaine O’Neal get healthy. Remember, the Cs were already a great defensive team BEFORE adding West and JO this season. Both of those players are plus defenders who can defend multiple positions and O’Neal, if he can return, gives the Cs two legitimate 7 footers who can defend the rim with the best centers in the league.

Perk’s presence will also allow Shaq to take a, ahem, vacation as he’s logged more playing time thus far than he probably signed up for. Keeping Shaq healthy and still sharp for the playoffs is now something that should be manageable for Doc Rivers with Perkins, Davis and Erden all holding down the center position. The offense/defense option the Cs now have at center in Shaq and Perkins could be huge in tight playoff games down the road, especially the low scoring affairs we’re used to seeing from them in the playoffs.

To anyone who was surprised at the timing of Perkins’ return I tell you to look no further than the game on the slate for this Sunday: A return to Los Angeles to face the defending champion Lakers where, not only did the Cs fall in the finals, but Perkins got injured and had to watch helplessly as LA dominated the Cs on the glass which was the difference. That will to return reflects both his pride and toughness which will surely be on display, hopefully, through the middle of June. That “uh-oh” you just heard? That was the rest of the league talking.