Kendrick Perkins has jumped aboard the Celtics hype train for 2023-24.

Given the competitive nature of the NBA and Boston’s offensive identity based on 3-point shooting, the former Boston center has been cautious of the Celtics’ title chances this season.

However, after Boston finished its recent West Coast trip with a 3-1 record, including back-to-back wins over the Clippers and Lakers, Perkins appears to be changing his tune about a Boston team that presently has a league-best 23-6 record.

“The Celtics proved to me and to the rest of the world that they’re the best team in the NBA,” Perkins said on ESPN’s Pat McAfee Show on Tuesday. “And I’m not just saying this because of what they did to the Lakers on Monday.” I’m referring to the clean sweep in Los Angeles. They beat the Clippers and then came in and did what they did (against the Lakers).

“Look, that starting five of Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, Derrick White, Jrue Holiday, and (Kristaps) Porzingis is electrifying.” And I know all the haters say they shoot too many three-pointers. I was among them. But I believe in their 3-point shooting as well as their perimeter defense. This team should be considered the favorite to win it all.”

Even though the Celtics may use some bench depth between now and the Feb. 8 trade deadline, they have perhaps the greatest starting five in the NBA. 

That sentiment was reinforced by Boston’s Christmas Day triumph over the Lakers. Despite Anthony Davis’ 40 points and LeBron James’ 16 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists, Boston still won 126-115 with to six players scoring in double figures.

The Celtics were led by Kristaps Porzingis, who had 28 points and 11 rebounds, and Jayson Tatum, who had 25 points.

Following Boston’s victory over the Lakers, Perkins stated on ESPN’s postgame show that the Celtics’ starting lineup possesses a potent combination of size and scoring ability. 

“I’m looking at this lineup when they start, quote-unquote, small, with Porzingis at the five, they’re really not small, because they’ve got great rebounding guards,” Perkins said in an interview with NBA Countdown. “Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown will hit the glass.” Jrue Holiday had seven rebounds, correct? 

“And then when I think about what they do, they’re going to push the pace, they’re going to attack downhill and they’re going to look for those 3s, and they’re going to keep shooting them, and they’ve got guys that can actually knock them down.”