WALTHAM — You have to crawl before you walk and walk before you run.

In the NBA, you have to stand on a court before you can really begin think about getting back into a game following reconstructive knee surgery.

But as one can see from this video – filmed Monday at Celtics practice – Kendrick Perkins certainly looks the part as he appears to be in the best shape of his career, a clear sign he has done significant rehab work already following June’s rebuild of his right knee after it buckled and collapsed in Game 6 of the NBA finals, along with the Celtics’ hopes of banner No. 18.

Now, looking the part of a svelte, lean and mean big man, Perkins has hit the court and has started shooting short jumpers and free throws.

The big man is expected to be out until at least January following the repair of the ACL in his right knee.