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Vertical Pod with Woj: Kendrick Perkins

Kendrick Perkins sits down with Adrian Wojnarowski for a candid conversation about wanting to bridge the personal divide between his former Oklahoma City Thunder teammates, Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook.

He also discusses the retirement of his mentor, Kevin Garnett, and preparing for his next NBA playing opportunity at 31 years old.

Perkins opens up about his 13-year NBA career, including the 2008 championship season with the Boston Celtics, and his years playing with LeBron James, Paul Pierce, Garnett, Durant, Westbrook and Anthony Davis. Perkins discusses his jump from high school to the NBA and the lessons of professionalism that helped make him such a valuable locker-room presence.

1:42: Perkins on looking for another NBA opportunity as training camps open.

5:07: The shift away from traditional centers as the style of play changes league-wide.

6:53: His influence on Davis during his season with the Pelicans.

10:34: How Garnett helped take Perkins’ career to another level.

13:05: Is Garnett at peace with his retirement?

15:48: How receptive the young players in the league are to veteran mentorship.

20:36: The breakup of the core of Boston's 2008 NBA title team.

25:25: Entering the NBA straight out of high school and the benefits of learning from veterans as a young player.

33:02: Providing leadership to a young Thunder team after being traded from the Celtics.

40:37: Acting as a mediator between Durant and Westbrook.

45:46: Golden State’s season-long recruitment of Durant.

49:18: The Thunder’s confidence entering free agency.

52:00: Will the Warriors be judged differently than other teams if they win a title?

53:18: The Celtics losing the 2010 title after Perkins’ knee injury.

Click here to download the podcast on iTunes, or listen here or on Yahoo Sports.

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