Why Danny Ainge ‘Loved’ Jayson Tatum-Kendrick Perkins Exchange

No beef arose between Kendrick Perkins and Jayson Tatum. Quite the contrary, in fact.

Perkins last week called out Tatum after the Celtics dropped their third loss in five games. Instead of snapping back at the former Boston big man, Tatum apparently called Perkins and the two had a productive conversation.

Danny Ainge is not surprised Tatum chose to go that route with Perkins, as the Celtics president of basketball operations knows the two-time All-Star always is looking to improve.

“I love the fact that Jayson Tatum picked up the phone and called Perk – that’s good that they have that connection,” Ainge said Thursday on “Toucher and Rich,” as transcribed by 98.5 The Sports Hub. “I know that Perk only cares for Jayson’s success. I think that there’s players available (for feedback) and I also know that players in our league now, they’re listening to other players.

“Jayson Tatum is a listener. He wants to be great, he’s always wanted to be great. He will seek out those who can help him. Sounds like he was seeking out Perk and wanted genuine feedback from what ‘Perk’ was saying about him that he didn’t like.”

Coincidence or not, the Celtics proceeded to rip off four straight wins after Perkins criticized Tatum. The 23-year-old has been integral to the streak, averaging 34.5 points per game over the stretch.

Boston will try to make it five straight wins Thursday night when it visits the reigning champion Los Angeles Lakers.