As a member of the Orlando Magic, Ryan Anderson played against then-Boston center Kendrick Perkins countless times in heated Eastern Conference matchups. Whether it was Perkins’ aggressive, physical play, or his perpetually menacing scowl on the court, Anderson quickly despised the Celtic.
“I remember telling a few people, ‘I really don’t like that guy,’ ” says Anderson, whose opinion has completely changed since becoming a New Orleans teammate in 2015-16.
Told recently of Anderson’s past dislike, Perkins’ reaction could best be described as a combination of pride – and a complete lack of surprise.
“I get that all the time.