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Report: Kendrick Perkins to join Cavaliers’ G League affiliate

By Ben Arthur

WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 8: Kendrick Perkins #21 of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives to the basket during the preseason game against the Washington Wizards on October 8, 2017 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 8: Kendrick Perkins #21 of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives to the basket during the preseason game against the Washington Wizards on October 8, 2017 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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13-year veteran Kendrick Perkins will join the Canton Charge of the NBA’s G League, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

A coaching career appears to be inevitable for Kendrick Perkins. But he’s not ready to hang up the sneakers — at least for now.

ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported on Thursday that the 13-year veteran will join the Cleveland Cavaliers’ G League affiliate, the Canton Charge, to keep his playing career alive.

The Cavs waived Perkins on Saturday after he spent the preseason with the team, averaging 4.0 points and 3.7 rebounds in 12.1 minutes (over three games). Rookie guard Isaac Hamilton was also released Saturday for Cleveland to finalize its 15-man roster.

Several reports have linked the 32-year-old to coaching when he’s done playing. According to Cleveland.com’s Joe Vardon, Tyronn Lue has extended an offer to join his staff. Perk also told Sports Illustrated that he’d “love” to coach when his career is over:

"“I’d love to coach when I finish playing one day. I know a lot of GMs that value my knowledge of the game. I would have a lot of options. I probably would call up Oklahoma City.”"

And check out these tweets that also suggest the title “Coach Perkins” is a matter of when, not if:

But Perk has made it clear that that time is not now.

His text to ESPN, per Woj’s report, “I’m serious and committed to this (opportunity). I will sacrifice to show the NBA.”

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Perkins’ most memorable span in the NBA were the eight years he spent in Boston (2003-11), anchoring the Celtics’ defense. He was the starting center on their 2008 NBA championship squad.

Perkins was traded to Oklahoma City in 2011 and spent five seasons with the team.  He played for the Cavs in the 2014-15 season (17 games) and the Pelicans the following year (37 games). He wasn’t on an NBA roster in 2016-17.

He holds career averages of 5.4 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.0 assists.

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