Of particular interest to the Celtics legend was the young post player who seemed to be growing with every touch of the ball.

Parish and Ray, the Celtics' big man coach, used to tutor Kendrick Perkins at their summer big man's camp. Though Perkins will forever be known as a defensive player - one of the few left in the league who can handle a big opposing center without help - Parish was impressed by his growth at the other end.

At one point, Perkins even took Nazr Mohammed off the dribble for a reverse layup. This was not the same raw kid from those summer camp days.

``No question,'' Parish said of Perkins' growth. ``I'm very pleased to see how much work he's put into the offensive end. The big difference is that his teammates are showing more confidence in him. Now he's more decisive about what he's gonna do. Now he's making moves with a real purpose.''

Parish loves to watch Perkins for the simple reason that the youngster reminds him of the way the game used to be played, when big men were paint-oriented.

``He's definitely a throwback,'' Parish said. ``Back then, there would have been a place for him, because he's the kind of player who does things that don't show up on the stat sheet. But you can tell he wants the ball now. He has a lot more confidence from his teammates.''

Perhaps Perkins' most vocal advocate, and one of his closest friends, is the player primarily responsible for getting him the ball: Rajon Rondo.

``Perk might have the highest field-goal percentage in Celtics history,'' the Celtics point guard said. ``He has more touches (this season). He's always been efficient with the ball. The more touches he gets, the more efficient he is.''

Rondo isn't far off. Perkins, now fourth in the NBA with a .644 shooting percentage, has a career .550 field-goal percentage that is fourth in Celtics history, trailing only Cedric Maxwell (.559), Kevin McHale (.554) and Parish (.552).

With Tuesday's 21-point, 9-for-10 performance, his high water mark for the season, Perkins has shot 33-for-41 over his last six games.

``Perk is just taking his time, man,'' said Kevin Garnett, who has also made Perkins one of his favorite targets. ``He's a lot patient. He's doing great at what's been given to him. At the same time, he's taking his time. Offense is just patience, and (letting) the defense react. As an offensive player you have to be a lot more aggressive than just finishing. He's focused on catching the ball and finishing. He's been offensive rebounding. He's been a beast. He's definitely growing as a player.''

Count Rondo among those who believe Perkins hasn't received his due recognition, an easy oversight, considering the All-Star company he keeps.

``People don't realize how good he is for a team,'' Rondo said. ``Perk's been around. It's not a coincidence he's playing this way. He puts in the work. As intelligent as he is, I think that's a gift. . . . ``He's a better finisher now. Now he's playing against All-Star post players. He's checking those guys and he's getting shots.''

Perkins is a tad uncomfortable talking about these things, saying, ``My teammates have faith in me and keep getting it to me. I'm just playing within the offense.''

Credit, too, goes to the work Ray puts in with Perkins every day. But Parish doesn't want to direct too much of the praise to his old friend.

``Clifford gets some credit,'' Parish said. ``But in this case, the majority of the credit has to go to the player.''

- mrmurphy@bostonherald.com