Ten Questions With Kendrick Perkins

Throughout the Reebok Vegas Summer League, Celtics.com will take a minute to help you get to know the players a little better by asking each one 10 questions about basketball and life.

The Celtics acquired center Kendrick Perkins in a draft day traded with the Memphis Grizzlies in 2003. "Perk" joined the team directly from Clifton J. Ozen High School in Beaumont, TX and has been winning fans over with his dominant presence and competitive play.

Learn more about Kendrick Perkins:

Celtics.com: Is there one part of your game specifically that you are trying to work on this summer:
Perkins: I'm really focused on my jump shot right now. That's probably what I am spending the majority of my time on during the off-season.

CC: What was your "welcome to the NBA moment"?
Perkins: During my first summer league. Antoine Walker came out to play against us for a bit, and that was my first taste of playing against someone in the NBA.

CC: Who keeps you grounded or down to earth now that you are in the NBA?
Perkins: My grandparents. Whenever I go home to visit, they take me to church. They really keep my humble and grounded.

CC: What is your personal favorite basketball memory?
Perkins: When I was in the 10th grade, I was named MVP of the finals down in Texas. I still have that trophy...

CC: Do you model your game after any player in particular?
Perkins: There isn't one particular player I model my game after. I try to take little things from everyone and incorporate them into my game.

CC: Who was your favorite basketball player growing up?
Perkins: Rasheed Wallace was my favorite player, and I still look up to him. I still find myself watching him when I play against him, and then I have to remember that I should be guarding him or going against him. I've had a chance to meet him for a minute, and he told me to keep working hard.

CC: Do you have any pre-game rituals or a pre-game routine?
Perkins: Everyday before a game, I have to take a nap. Even if it's just for 30 minutes, I have to get my nap in.

CC: What are you currently listening to on your Ipod?
Perkins: Young Jeezy

CC: Besides basketball, what would your dream job be?
Perkins: Probably to own a restaurant. I would like to own my own business. Even though I can't cook, I know people who can - so I'd hire them!

CC: Which teammate do you think you could beat in a game of one-on-one?
Perkins: (laughing) Everybody. I can take them all.