For many, it was just a run of the mill regular season game between the Spurs and Timberwolves. But for the 18-year-old who traveled four and a half hours from home, this game was special. The oversized teenager crammed himself into a seat and prepared to watch his idol play in person for the first time. He intently studied every move the big man made on the court. One day, he imagined, he would play like him. But he never imagined one day, he would play with him.

"I had all his Minnesota jerseys."

Kendrick Perkins grew up idolizing Kevin Garnett. He collected basketball cards, hung posters in his room, and proudly wore a #21 Timberwolves jersey. By his senior year in high school, Perkins was ranked as one of the top players in the country and knew that he had a future in the pros. So he made the trip from Beaumont, Texas to San Antonio to watch his role model play.

"I think he had like 24 [points] and 14 rebounds," Perkins recalled. "And I remember he always had the same serious face, didn't shake no hands, didn't sign no autographs, everything the same, so it was pretty cool."

The high school senior was in awe. The Spurs were a Western Conference powerhouse yet they couldn't contain Garnett. He was able to do so many different things on the court that it didn't seem fair.

"He could do everything," Perkins said. "Guard everybody, run the point, play in the post, fade away … how he rebounded, how athletic, his whole game was like he tried to perfect every aspect of it."

Just months after watching Garnett play from a distance, Perkins would find himself drafted by the Boston Celtics. Like Garnett, he skipped college and went straight to the pros as a first round draft pick. He quickly adjusted to going toe-to-toe with other notable NBA stars, but when he faced Garnett early in his rookie season, it was different.

"I was pretty nervous," Perkins admitted last season.

"It was just like a blessing."

After four years in Boston, Perkins had settled in comfortably with the Celtics. He had developed a strong chemistry with Al Jefferson and they were more than just partners in the paint; they were best friends. Even though the Celtics weren't winning, Jefferson quickly developed into one of the most promising big men in the league and Perkins was happy to play alongside him.  

Then came the trade. Perkins' best friend was out and his childhood idol was in. Perkins missed Jefferson but Garnett made it easy to move on.

"It was hard … but once I started playing with [Garnett], got to talking with him on the court, taking with him off the court, it was just like a blessing," Perkins said. "I really kind of forgot about -- not forget about Al -- but kind of was moving forward. He came in with that intensity like, man we've got a goal and what's in the past was in the past."  

Even though Perkins and Jefferson still talk almost every other day, Perkins bonded quickly with his new teammate. Garnett was initially surprised by how fast they clicked and their bond makes it that much easier for them to do their jobs.

"We bonded real fast," Garnett said. "I expected me, Paul (Pierce), and Ray (Allen) to bond … but Perk and I have no choice. We're the front line so we're responsible for the hole and making sure shots are blocked and rebounds and trying to stay with what the goal is -- protect that rim and protect that paint especially as much as possible. So he and I have to be on the same page if anybody."

A compliment like that goes a long way with a 23-year-old who once tried to emulate many different aspects of Garnett's game, especially his fade away jumper.  

"It means a lot," Perkins said. "We've got a good bond off the court. We're really starting to feed off each other, know each other, and I think right now we've come a long way … It's a good thing."

Almost as good as the Celtics 5-0 record.

"It's made him a better player."

The Celtics' perfect start is only possible because the starters are running on all cylinders. With backup center Scot Pollard still nursing an ankle injury, Perkins knows how important it is for him to stay healthy this season. He dropped 16 pounds to help fend off a reoccurring bout of plantar fasciitis and the new-found lightness on his feet is helping him be more aggressive at the basket. Having Garnett on the court helps, too.

"It's been huge for him. It's made him a better player," Coach Doc Rivers said. "I think so far, he's improved the most from the talent on the floor."

Perkins is averaging six points and five rebounds in the first five games and is on pace to have the best season of his career. This difference this year is rather than learning from his own mistakes, he can learn from a proven veteran.

"The talent of the Big Three has improved the talent of the other guys," Rivers said. "Perk, I think, has the chance to have his best year because Perk put a lot of time in and worked on his game, and because he's working next to those three guys."

Garnett is happy to help someone who is so eager to learn. Perkins' commitment has impressed the man who prides himself on his tireless work ethic.  

"He has great hands, great IQ for the game, [he's a] great defensive player," Garnett said. "To see how hard he works and to see the effort that he puts into it -- not just the physical part but he really studies and understands his opponent -- I like that preparation. You have to be that in order to be a good defender in this league. He understands his role and he goes out and tries to make everyone better. I love it."

"Thank you for coming."

The Minnesota Timberwolves jersey bearing Garnett's name and number is long gone. After Perkins got his own Celtics jersey, his old #21 T'Wolves jersey had to be retired.  

"Once I got to the NBA it's like a sin to wear another player's jersey," Perkins said. "They'll call you a groupie or something."

Like the jersey, Perkins doesn't flaunt his awe for Garnett anymore.  

"The first preseason game it was like, 'Damn. Ok, I am on the court with KG,'" Perkins said. "Then after that I kind of got into the flow with it, so I got used to it."

But behind the towering NBA center there is still a vague sign of that that 18-year-old boy who crammed into his seat to watch Garnett play basketball. And what would he say to his childhood-idol-turned-teammate?

"Thank you for coming."