Perkins plays it safe for now

Kendrick Perkins said signing a four-year extension worth approximately $16 million took stress off his shoulders. Considering that he is coming back from arthroscopic surgery on his left shoulder, that is good news for the Celtics.

Perkins estimated his shoulder is at about 80 percent, though if training camp started today, he said, he could participate fully. But until training camp workouts officially begin Oct. 3, the Celtics plan to keep Perkins out of scrimmages.

``We're just being on the safe side," said Perkins. ``I was playing in Houston [about a month ago] and somebody told on me. So I couldn't hide it. I got a phone call [from Danny Ainge], and [he was] like, `Kendrick, you know you're not supposed to be playing.'

``So, to be on the safe side, I'm just following the doctor's orders . . . I don't even worry about it no more. I ain't babying it. If they put me on the court, it's good."

Perkins maintains his conditioning by lifting weights, running, and going through shooting and minimal contact drills. Even though Perkins could not join a scrimmage at the team practice facility in Waltham yesterday that featured Sebastian Telfair, Rajon Rondo, Kevin Pittsnogle, Gerald Green, Ryan Gomes, Theo Ratliff, Dwayne Jones, Leon Powe and Allan Ray, Ainge noted that the 6-foot-10-inch center sets the standard when it comes to work ethic. The Celtics hope the young core follows the Perkins example.

For the upcoming season, Perkins has not set any statistical goals. He simply wants to help the team to more wins. ``It's not like I'm stopping here and I'm satisfied with this contract," said Perkins. ``It's really just motivation to keep working. It's a lot of stress off my shoulders. Now, I can just go out and play basketball."

`` I'm happy to be a Celtic. They've been loyal to me since I got here. Everything has been good. I love the coaches. I love the organization. This is not rehearsed. This is really coming from my heart. I'm just happy we got this out of the way."