Former Boston Celtics big man Kendrick Perkins is more than just an NBA Champion and NBA Analyst, he's a mentor too.

Tristan Thompson spoke up about the impact that Perkins had on him when Thompson first entered the league. He went on to say that Perkins was a great role model for Thompson in Cleveland. He was the main reason as to why Thompson adopted such a tough, bulldog approach on the court.

Thompson believes that Perkins was instrumental in his early success in the NBA and helped shape the player that he is today.

When Thompson joined the Celtics, he called Perkins the very next day to talk about the recent move. Perkins assured him that he was the exact piece that they needed to get to the next level. He told Thompson that he could be the guy to propel them into the finals.

Thompson signed a two-year deal with the Celtics this offseason to the surprise of all Canadian basketball fans. Thompson is originally from Toronto, so when the Raptors were in the market for a mobile big, Thompson stuck out as a definite free-agent target. Instead, Thompson decided to sign in Boston, the arch rivals of the Raptors.

Thompson will add physicality, rebounding, and defense to an already deep and talented Celtics roster.

It's also great to see the impact that players can have beyond basketball. Perkins may not have been the most talented NBA players, but his impact as a role model, mentor, and analyst could pave the way for more athletes looking to make an impact after retirement.